No Perinatal Risks Seen with Influenza Vaccination in Successive Pregnancies

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A recent study published on September 19 in JAMA Network Open has revealed reassuring findings regarding the safety of influenza vaccination during successive pregnancies. Conducted by Dr. Darios Getahun and colleagues from Kaiser Permanente Southern California, the retrospective cohort study analyzed data from 82,055 individuals with at least two singleton live-birth pregnancies between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2018.

The study specifically examined whether receiving seasonal influenza vaccinations in successive pregnancies was linked to an increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. Remarkably, the researchers found that over 54.7 percent of participants received the influenza vaccine during both pregnancies.

Key Findings

The results indicated that vaccination in successive pregnancies did not correlate with higher risks for several adverse perinatal outcomes, including:

Preeclampsia or eclampsia

Placental abruption

Fever

Preterm birth

Preterm premature rupture of membranes

Chorioamnionitis

Small-for-gestational-age births

Moreover, the study noted that these associations remained consistent regardless of interpregnancy intervals or the type of vaccine administered. This suggests that the timing and type of influenza vaccination are not significant factors affecting perinatal risks.

Implications for Vaccination

The findings provide crucial support for current recommendations advocating for influenza vaccination during pregnancy, irrespective of the interval between successive pregnancies or the vaccine type. By demonstrating that influenza vaccination does not pose additional risks to perinatal health, the study encourages pregnant individuals to remain proactive in safeguarding their health and that of their babies.

Conclusion

This research highlights the importance of influenza vaccination in ensuring maternal and neonatal health, offering reassurance to expectant parents about the safety of receiving the vaccine in consecutive pregnancies. As influenza can pose significant health risks during pregnancy, these findings support public health efforts to promote vaccination and reduce complications associated with the virus.

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