Pregnant women urged to get vaccine

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - They are among the high-risk groups on the front lines of the swine flu battle.

Many pregnant women are not wasting any time in their search for vaccinations.

Getting the H1N1 vaccine was a no-brainer for Sherry Smyth.

The Amherst mom is about five months pregnant.

"I have two little babies at home, and I want to do everything I can to keep them healthy to protect my family," she explained.

University Travel Health at ECMC sponsored a swine flu vaccination clinic for pregnant mothers only.

Health professionals have constantly warned them about the dangers they face if they get the flu, and continue to urge them to get the vaccination.

Dr. David Hughes stated, "When you look at stats of people who contract H1N1, those not immunized and what morbidity mortality is against folks immunized, the folks immunized make out better in the long run."

The H1N1 flu has taken an extraordinary toll on pregnant women, who are four times more likely to be hospitalized for complications.

Sherry said, "You just think, Oh my God, would if I get this?"

Yet despite doctors warnings, studies show that many pregnant woman still have their reservations and continue to shun the H1N1 vaccine.

The decision was grueling for Ashanti South of Buffalo who weighed her doctor's orders against her own mom instinct to avoid any medications during pregnancy.

Her father finally convinced her.

News 4 asked, "Your father made the appointment? How sweet is that?"

Ashanti explained, "I know he wanted me to have the baby and be healthy."

If a woman chooses not to get vaccine, what are the alternatives to keep healthy?

Dr. Hughes said, "Alternatives are, wash your hands, sneeze into your elbow."

Given the dramatic threat, health care professionals here believe the swine flu vaccine is the best protection for pregnant women and encourage others to get it.