Health and wellbeing
Protecting pregnant women and their families in Walsall with vaccinations
Published on
As the winter season approaches, pregnant women in Walsall are encouraged to prioritise their health and protect themselves and their unborn babies against flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and other infectious illnesses.
RSV is a common cause of coughs and colds, but it can sometimes lead to serious illness in infants and older adults. Since September this year, the RSV vaccination has been offered to pregnant women who are at least 28 weeks pregnant or more, as well as older adults aged 75 to 79. The vaccine helps reduce the risk of RSV causing severe complications such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis (a common lung infection in young children).
To promote conversations about vaccinations in pregnancy, the ‘Flu Fairies’ initiative is continuing at the antenatal clinic at Walsall Manor Hospital and will focus on conversations about RSV, flu, COVID-19 and whooping cough (pertussis). It aims to encourage pregnant women and their families to learn about the benefits of vaccination and address any concerns they may have, as well as make a fairy to take home with them.
Between May and August this year, almost 1,000 women were engaged with across 12 Flu Fairies sessions. Many women shared their personal experiences with whooping cough, which served as a motivator for vaccination. Additionally, participants discussed any barriers they faced in getting vaccinated. Furthermore, multiple conversations with participants often resulted in changing perceptions about vaccinations.
The next phase of Flu Fairies started in October. Sessions will continue until the end of January 2025.
“ The Flu Fairies initiative is a valuable tool for promoting the importance of vaccinations in pregnancy. It provides a platform for pregnant women and their families to ask questions in a friendly and relaxing environment. Flu, whooping cough, RSV, and COVID-19 vaccines are all recommended during pregnancy to protect the health of both mother and baby. I encourage pregnant women to talk to their GP or midwife to learn more about these important vaccinations and ensure they have the best protection against these illnesses ahead of winter. “
The fairies will land at the clinics over the next few months, but pregnant women can contact the Antenatal Clinic at Walsall Manor Hospital on 01922 656577 to find out more about getting the vaccines.
ENDS
Notes to editor:
- To learn more about vaccinations in pregnancy visit the NHS website: Vaccinations in pregnancy - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
