December 2008

A US CDC-funded study by researchers at Duke Children's Hospital, found that vaccinating new mothers and other family members against influenza before their newborns leave the hospital creates a "cocooning effect" that may shelter unprotected children from the flu. The hospital-based outreach tested in this study proved effective at boosting immunization rates in parents - especially new fathers - and siblings who otherwise may not be vaccinated. Vaccinating newborns for flu is not recommended because they're too young, however they are a part of the population that is at highest risk. Newborns have the highest rate of hospitalizations due to influenza when compared to any other age group of children. In some seasons the influenza-associated mortality rate is highest among infants. The study showed that offering the flu vaccine to new mothers during their baby's stay in the hospital is an effective way to assure that all women have the opportunity to get vaccinated and thereby protect their own health and the health of their baby. It also proved to be a convenient, and possibly the most effective way for fathers to be vaccinated.

Content Updated (Tuesday, 6th January 2009)