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Three pregnant women in Northern Ireland have been diagnosed with swine flu the Public Health Agency has confirmed.
The PHA is urging pregnant women no matter what stage of pregnancy, to get their flu vaccine as soon as possible.
Dr Lorraine Doherty, Assistant Director of Public Health said: "While there are low circulating levels of flu amongst the general population, these three cases of H1N1 confirmed in pregnant women, tells us that pregnant women could be hard hit again with flu."
"Pregnant women are being offered the flu vaccine this year if they didn't get the swine flu vaccine last year, regardless of their stage of pregnancy.
"It is particularly important that they take up this offer because pregnant women are more likely to have serious illness if they catch flu, especially swine flu", she added.
Dr Doherty said last year saw a very good uptake rate amongst pregnant women, with up to 70% receiving the vaccine, but despite efforts to encourage uptake, over the summer the numbers getting the vaccine have significantly decreased.
"It is important to note that pregnant women who did not receive the swine flu vaccine in the summer will now be in the later stages of pregnancy, the time of greatest risk, Dr Doherty added.
"I want to stress that no matter what stage of pregnancy to get the flu vaccine now, it is better late than never.
"While swine flu is a mild illness for most people, it can be very serious.
"Complications include pneumonia and heart and lung problems and pregnant women are about 10 times more likely to become so ill they need to be admitted to hospital", Dr Doherty added.
The PHA is urging pregnant women no matter what stage of pregnancy, to get their flu vaccine as soon as possible.
Dr Lorraine Doherty, Assistant Director of Public Health said: "While there are low circulating levels of flu amongst the general population, these three cases of H1N1 confirmed in pregnant women, tells us that pregnant women could be hard hit again with flu."
"Pregnant women are being offered the flu vaccine this year if they didn't get the swine flu vaccine last year, regardless of their stage of pregnancy.
"It is particularly important that they take up this offer because pregnant women are more likely to have serious illness if they catch flu, especially swine flu", she added.
Dr Doherty said last year saw a very good uptake rate amongst pregnant women, with up to 70% receiving the vaccine, but despite efforts to encourage uptake, over the summer the numbers getting the vaccine have significantly decreased.
"It is important to note that pregnant women who did not receive the swine flu vaccine in the summer will now be in the later stages of pregnancy, the time of greatest risk, Dr Doherty added.
"I want to stress that no matter what stage of pregnancy to get the flu vaccine now, it is better late than never.
"While swine flu is a mild illness for most people, it can be very serious.
"Complications include pneumonia and heart and lung problems and pregnant women are about 10 times more likely to become so ill they need to be admitted to hospital", Dr Doherty added.
