Why does the CDC recommend that pregnant women receive the H1N1 flu vaccine?
A pregnant woman who gets any type of flu is at risk for serious complications and hospitalization. Pregnant women who are otherwise healthy have been severely impacted by the H1N1 flu virus. In comparison to the general population, a greater number of pregnant women infected with the H1N1 flu virus have been hospitalized. In addition, severe illness and death have occurred in pregnant women. The CDC reports that 6% of confirmed fatal H1N1 flu cases thus far have been in pregnant women while only about 1% of the general population is pregnant. Vaccination is the single best way to protect against the H1N1 flu.
