Southern DHB Encouraging Expectant Mums to be Immunised

Wednesday 4 May 2016

Southern DHB Encouraging Expectant Mums to be Immunised

Southern District Health Board is celebrating Immunisation Week (May 2-8) along with the rest of New Zealand with the theme of ‘protecting baby starts in pregnancy’. Expectant mums are encouraged to be immunised during pregnancy, immunise baby on time and enrol early with a midwife and GP.

Naomi Gough, Public Health Physician for Public Health South, stresses the importance of immunisation during pregnancy against whooping cough and influenza. ‘Whooping cough can cause babies to become seriously ill, and can sometimes be deadly. Immunisation against whooping cough during pregnancy helps to protect babies in their first few weeks of life.’

Both immunisations are recommended, free and have a proven safety record.

Invercargill mum Jacinta who is 23 weeks pregnant with her fourth child says that it is a no brainer to have the vaccination. It will protect myself, my child and my baby. Jacinta says “the reason I want to have my Boostrix immunisation is because I want to do everything possible to protect my baby from whooping cough, especially in the early weeks of life, before I can get the childhood vaccinations completed.”

“Enrolling with a GP and midwife early in the pregnancy helps ensure the mother and baby get the care they need”, says Naomi Gough.

As well as encouragement to immunise baby on time, the Week also highlights the role of all health professionals working with new and expectant parents - midwives, practice nurses, GPs and hospital staff. This is why the timing of the Week was chosen to coincide with International Midwives Day and is a few days before International Nurses Day.

As part of Immunisation week and International Midwives Day (5th May), Southern DHB midwives and Lead Maternity Carers will be offered free Influenza and Boostrix Vaccinations, at Dunedin, Southland and Lakes District Hospitals.

ENDS

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