This story hit home with me, as easily 1/3 of my friends are pregnant with their 2nd child. Health officials are saying this fall's H1N1 influenza ("swine flu") will likely be most hazardous to pregnant women.
However, I know of some very well-educated women who are still weary of getting vaccinated during pregnancy, as fears surrounding an adverse event or complication from the vaccination is not worth the risk for them.
I would love to hear from other women, based on sound research and literature that you have read: is it more risky to be vaccinated from the influenza virus(es) or is it more risky not to be vaccinated during pregnancy?
You can read more about the topic of vaccinating pregnancy woman for swine flu on EmpowHer: Pregnant Women Should Get Swine Flu Shot First.
Summary from the above article: "A study published in the July 29 issue of The Lancet should weigh heavily on the CDC panel's decision. It confirmed that pregnant women are at especially high risk of complications from the new flu strain." "Pregnant women who have been infected with H1N1 influenza have had a higher rate of hospitalization, about a fourfold increase compared with the general population and a higher proportion than expected of the deaths were among pregnant women...".
However, some of my "weary friends" may point out, "the H1N1 flu vaccine will be very much like seasonal flu vaccines, which have an excellent safety profile, Porcell-Pharr said. "However, no vaccine is 100 percent safe. This vaccine will be no exception," she added.
What are your thoughts?