Influenza vaccination increases the chance of a healthy pregnancy
Influenza vaccinations seem to increase the chance of an intact pregnancy and reduce the rate of abortions and the likelihood of premature births. In two studies, the positive effects of a flu vaccination were tested during IVF treatment.
Chances of successful IVF treatment shall be increased
In the ongoing studies, the hypothesis is that the chance of successful IVF treatment is increased by modulating the woman's immune system and making the embryo more acceptable. "This process is called immunological tolerance," explains Univ. Prof. Dr. Andreas Obruca, our medical director of the Kinderwunschzentrum. “However, this tolerance does not mean switching off the immune system. On the contrary, it is strengthened, but the antigens are not directed against the embryo. ”As a result, an increased success rate for IVF treatments and a reduced miscarriage rate should be achieved. “These experiments could be a simple and safe option for women who want to improve their chances of conceiving,” expects Prof. Obruca.
Positive results from previous studies
Previous studies have already shown a positive effect of flu vaccinations during pregnancy in terms of abortion rates and premature births. The numbers speak for themselves: The premature birth rate fell by 41 percent in women who were vaccinated against the virus. In addition, it has been proven that the influenza vaccination protects mother and child from the flu even several months after birth. "The study results show that maintaining flu protection is important during pregnancy, and this naturally also applies to IVF treatments," explains Prof. Obruca.
Our recommendation for patients
Changes in the immune system, heart, and lungs occur during pregnancy. These make pregnant women more susceptible to flu than non-pregnant women. Influenza vaccination reduces the risk of pregnant women requiring hospitalization for influenza by an average of 40%. Due to the current corona pandemic, a flu vaccination makes more sense than ever this year. "In order to protect both mothers and infants from this as best as possible, we recommend that women get vaccinated before they become pregnant or before starting fertility treatment", is the recommendation of Prof. Obruca. Even if a pregnancy has already occurred, the flu vaccination is still possible, especially if a flu wave is imminent.
Sources:
Federal Ministry of Health: https://www.sozialministerium.at/Themen/Gesundheit/Impfen/Impfempfehlungen-Allgemein/Empfehlung-Influenza-Impfung-(-Grippeimpfung-)-Saison-2020-2021.html
www.centerforhumanreprod.com/fertility/science-magazine-features-clinical-trial-of-influenza-vaccine-to-facilitate-pregnancy-conducted-by-new-york-city-fertility-center/
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27143672