Meer grip op griep bij zwangere vrouwen

Influenza immunisation during pregnancy is recommended by the WHO since 2010 and implemented in the majority of the Western countries. Finally, the Dutch government follows this recommendation and will be offering vaccination to pregnant women starting upcoming influenza season. Remarkably, this new guideline mainly focuses on the benefits for infants. In this article we want to make healthcare workers aware of the fact that the maternal influenza vaccination has substantial benefits for both mothers and their infants. Vaccination will reduce the risk of infection and influenza-associated hospitalizations. Potentially, the vaccination has positive effects on pregnancy outcomes like birth weight and premature delivery, but further research is needed. Offering the vaccination requires a solid campaign, in which all involved healthcare workers should advocate for vaccination. In addition, the vaccination should not only be available for pregnant women above 22 weeks of gestational age, but throughout the entire pregnancy if necessary.

Conflict of interest and financial support: none declared.