Jessica Polakow
Mother-to-Be
When she posed for this portrait, Jessica Polakow was about to become a mother for the first time. She volunteered to have her photo taken to help send an important immunization message to other women who will be pregnant during influenza season-get immunized.
Pregnant women are more likely to be hospitalized from complications of influenza than non-pregnant women of the same age.1 This is an important fact pregnant women need to consider as they prepare themselves for motherhood.
That is why health officials recommend that all women who will be pregnant during influenza season get immunized to protect their health as well as to protect their baby's health during his or her first 6 months of life, when infants cannot be vaccinated.1
Mothers also need to know that all children 6 to 59 months of age should be immunized, as well as any child 6 months and older with a chronic medical condition, such as asthma or diabetes.
Rates of influenza infection are highest among children.1 Research shows children younger than 24 months of age are hospitalized with influenza-related complications at rates similar to people who are 65 years and older.1
Influenza vaccine cannot be given to babies under 6 months of age, so if direct household contacts are immunized, the family can help provide a "cocoon" of protection around the infant.1 Household contacts include parents, siblings, grandparents, and babysitters.
Parents and parents-to-be should educate themselves about preventing influenza. More information can be found from health-care providers, as well as reliable sources such as the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Lung Association.