HALIFAX – Pregnant women are the focus of this year’s flu shot campaign in Nova Scotia, which officially kicked off Tuesday.
Provincial Health Minister Leo Glavine, who rolled up his sleeve to get his own flu shot at a media event, said pregnant women often feel getting immunized is not the right choice for their fetus.
“We want to assure Nova Scotian women who are pregnant that, in fact, it’s very safe,” he said. “In fact, through the winter season, it gives them added protection so that the flu doesn’t add complications to their pregnancy.”
Dr. Frank Atherton, the deputy public health officer for the province, said pregnant women can be more vulnerable to influenza.
“Pregnant women, if they contract the flu, can get into really difficult situations,” he said. “That’s why this year we’re particularly promoting the flu vaccine for pregnant women.”
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Jennifer Booth of Upper Musquodoboit is 34 weeks pregnant. The 32-year-old got the flu vaccine when she was pregnant with her first child and said there was no hesitation to get vaccinated while expecting her second.
“I got the flu vaccine with my first child because of her well-being and safety,” she said. “It’s just better off where we’re around so many people and it’s just safer that way for her.
“I decided to get [the flu shot this time] because I already have a daughter at home so there’s an increased risk right there.”
Jessica Terrio is also 34 weeks pregnant with her first child and at 20 years old, has never gotten a flu shot before doing it Tuesday.
“My doctor told me it’s best now that I’m pregnant,” she said.
Booth said some mothers might be hesitant to get vaccinated because they are unsure how their bodies will react and do not know if they will have an allergic reaction.
But she said it is better to be safe than sorry.
Atherton said on average there are two to 10 deaths directly attributable to the flu in Nova Scotia each year.
“We know that flu can be a very mild illness, but we also know it can be very serious,” he said.
“Every year, Canadians lose their lives to flu. That’s why we put out the message the flu vaccine is a safe and effective way to prevent those deaths.”
Could Nova Scotia see a flu shot shortage?
Glavine also addressed concerns the province could run out of vaccines, which happened last year.
Last week, Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Robert Strang said Nova Scotia had ordered 470,000 doses of the vaccine. He said it is the most the province has ever ordered, and estimates it will be enough to immunize 40-45 per cent of the population.
“If we get more than the anticipated take-up, then we could be perhaps a little bit on the short side,” Glavine said about the province’s preparedness for flu season. “But there’s always the possibility of getting the vaccine from another province.”
Glavine said residents can ensure they get the vaccination by getting their flu shots sooner rather than later.
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Glavine said his goal is to see 60 per cent of Nova Scotians get the flu shot this year.
“In the long term, it’s a huge saving for the health-care system if we can keep people out of the hospital.”
However, if he wants to meet that goal, the province will need to bring in about 150,000 more doses of the vaccine.
The flu vaccine is being offered for free to Nova Scotians, who can get immunized through their family doctor or pharmacist.
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