Expectant mums urged to get flu jab
Free walk-in clinics are available at hospitals serving Wiltshire patients
Pregnant women in Wiltshire are being encouraged to make sure they get vaccinated against the flu this winter.
Doctors tell us it will protect both mum and baby, with the newborn carrying that protection into the first months of its life.
The jab is available for free at hospitals serving Wiltshire-based patients.
Salisbury District Hospital's Deputy Chief Nurse, Angie Ansell, said it reduces the risk for any expectant mums falling ill.
"You'll be less likely to catch the flu," she said. "Pregnant women are particularly at risk of having a higher chance of developing serious complications if they do get the flu and the vaccine reduces your chance of getting serious flu and also any complications associated with that."
So far, hundreds of pregnant women have been vaccinated since the programme began earlier this month.
Over 200 have had their jab in Salisbury, while more than 500 have had theirs at Great Western Hospital.
Angie said it's been a very positive start to the programme: "It's been going really well. We received our first batch of flu vaccines on the 8th September and we have currently vaccinated over 200 pregnant women within those first two weeks. So it's really successful so far, we're really pleased."
She also reassured people that the vaccine is completely safe, having been administered since 2009.
"It's been shown to be really, really safe and to reduce any complications from anybody who does unfortunately get the flu over the winter season. So it is proven to be very, very safe and provide you with those antibodies and that protection for you and for your baby," Angie said.
Patients in the south of the county can get their jab at Salisbury's antenatal clinic, where there is a walk-in service, Monday to Friday between 8am and 4pm.
Great Western Hospital is also offering a walk-in clinic between 8.30am and 3.30pm on weekdays.