Risk of Fetal Death after Pandemic Influenza Virus Infection or Vaccination

Influenza infection is associated with significant morbidity in pregnant women. In this retrospective report from Norway, the safety of the 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) vaccine was assessed with respect to fetal deaths in 2009–2010. During the 2009 influenza A (H1N1) pandemic, pregnant women were particularly vulnerable to severe influenza illness, with a heightened risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and maternal death. 1 – 4 The susceptibility of pregnant women to influenza has also been observed in the past. 5 – 12 The World Health Organization's recommendation for the administration of seasonal influenza vaccine, which included vaccination of pregnant women, did not change during the H1N1 pandemic. 13 In addition, it was recommended that pregnant women receive a pandemic vaccine. 14 Before 2009, pregnant women in Norway were not routinely advised to be vaccinated against seasonal influenza. During the pandemic, a . . .