Getting the Flu Vaccination for Pregnant Women in Qatar
The flu is a health risk for people of all ages—especially for pregnant women all around the world.
As a precaution, the Qatar government makes it a point to ensure that all its citizens are vaccinated throughout the year for various illnesses. One of those precautions that is strictly advised is a flu jab that is sure to protect both expecting moms and their babies.
The flu can pose many risks to both expecting moms and their developing babies, so it is essential to go through with the shot in order to prepare and prevent the onset of the more severe symptoms and complications of the flu in Qatar.
This blog will show you the risks associated with the flu, the benefits of taking the flu vaccine in Qatar, and how pregnant women in Qatar can benefit from the flu vaccine.
Why is the Flu Vaccine Important for Pregnant Women?
During pregnancy, the women undergo massive functional changes. These natural changes affect everything from their immune system and heart to their lungs and nervous system—leaving them wide open to severe illnesses, including the flu.
The symptoms of the flu can be much more severe in pregnant women—which is why the flu vaccination is essential for expecting mothers. It’s designed to protect not just the mom but also her baby's development in the process.
The Risks of Not Getting the Flu Vaccination in Qatar
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Increased Vulnerability to Severe Complications
Pregnant women are at a higher risk of serious flu-related issues, including respiratory distress, dehydration, and secondary infections like pneumonia, which can be more challenging to manage during pregnancy.
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Higher Risk of Hospitalisation
Severe flu cases can lead to hospitalisation, putting both mother and baby under significant stress and increasing medical risks.
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Lack of Maternal Antibody Transfer
Without vaccination, the mother does not pass protective antibodies to the baby. This leaves newborns without flu protection in their first months of life when they are too young for vaccination.
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Prolonged Illness and Recovery Time
Contracting the flu can result in extended recovery periods, affecting daily life and overall well-being during pregnancy.
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Missed Work and Daily Disruption
Severe flu symptoms can lead to significant time away from work and a reduction in productivity, further impacting a pregnant woman’s lifestyle.
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Increased Risk to the Newborn
Babies born to mothers who weren’t vaccinated are more susceptible to severe flu-related complications, as they don’t receive the initial immunity passed on through maternal antibodies.
The Benefits of Taking the Flu Vaccination in Qatar
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Protection for the Unborn Baby
Vaccinated mothers pass protective antibodies to their unborn babies, providing them with crucial immunity during their first months of life when they are too young to receive their own flu vaccine.
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Lower Risk of Preterm Birth
Studies show that getting the flu vaccine can lower the chances of preterm labour and improve overall birth outcomes.
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Safe for Both Mother and Baby
The inactivated flu vaccine has been proven safe for use during any trimester, offering peace of mind to expectant mothers.
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Prevention of Severe Flu-Related Complications
By getting vaccinated, expecting mothers can reduce the likelihood of experiencing severe complications that may worsen chronic conditions or cause dehydration.
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Shorter and Milder Illness
If a vaccinated pregnant woman does contract the flu, the illness is typically shorter and less severe than it would be without the vaccine.
The Safety of Flu Vaccination During Pregnancy
One of the primary concerns among expectant mothers is the safety of getting vaccinated while pregnant. Rest assured, flu vaccinations during pregnancy have been extensively studied and are considered safe by leading health organisations, including the CDC and WHO.
- Research shows that inactivated influenza vaccines do not pose a risk to pregnant women or their babies. On the contrary, getting vaccinated has been linked to better birth outcomes.
- The flu vaccine given to pregnant women does not contain live virus, which ensures that it is safe for both the mother and the baby.
- This is known as the inactivated flu vaccine, which is meant to stimulate an immune response without causing illness.
Health experts universally agree that the benefits of flu vaccination far outweigh any potential risks. Side effects are generally not too severe and they are often temporary, such as soreness at the injection site or a slight fever.
These minor side effects are typically resolved within a day or two. Given the extensive safety data available, both first-time mothers and experienced parents can be confident in choosing vaccination.
Accessing Flu Vaccination in Qatar
The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) actively promotes flu vaccination, especially for high-risk groups like pregnant women. Pregnant women can access the flu vaccine at numerous healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and community pharmacies.
The Qatar vaccine campaign for influenza emphasizes the importance of immunization and makes flu shots easily accessible at primary healthcare centres. In fact, many health centres offer these vaccines free of charge, removing any financial barrier that might deter individuals from getting vaccinated.
In 2024-25, the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), along with Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and other health institutions, launched its new vaccination campaign in Qatar.
This campaign was instituted to help people who are exceptionally prone to the flu get vaccinated to protect their well-being. People at high risk of being adversely affected by the flu included:
- People over 50 years old
- Children aged 6 months to 5 years
- Pregnant Women
- Healthcare workers
- People with chronic illnesses or immunosuppression
As part of the campaign, many health centres under the PHCC across different regions of Qatar are offering free flu shots. Here is a quick and comprehensive list of all free flu vaccination centres in Qatar.
Madinat Khalifa | Al Thumama |
Umm Slal | Abu Baker Al Siddiq |
Al Khor | Al Rayyan |
Al Shamal | Al Jumiliya |
Al Kaaban | Al Sheehaniya |
Gharrafat Al Rayyan | Mesaimeer |
Leghwairiya | Al Karaana |
Al Daayen | Abu Nakhla |
Leabaib | Al Waab |
Airport | Muaither |
Rawdat Alkhail | Al Wajba |
Umm Ghuwailina | Al Ruwais |
Omar Bin Khatab | Qatar University |
West Bay | South Wakra |
Al Wakra | Umm Al Seneem |
When Should Pregnant Women Get Vaccinated?
Timing is another important factor when it comes to flu vaccination. The flu season in Qatar typically begins in the fall and can last through the winter months.
Ideally, pregnant women should get vaccinated before the flu season peaks to ensure they have built up immunity by the time the virus is most active. However, it’s never too late to get vaccinated, even if the flu season has already started.
Annual vaccination is crucial because flu strains change from year to year, and the flu vaccine is updated accordingly. This means that even if a woman received a flu shot in a previous pregnancy, she should still get vaccinated during subsequent pregnancies.
According to the Mayo Clinic, vaccination can be administered during any trimester of pregnancy. This flexibility makes it easier for women to plan their healthcare and ensure optimal protection throughout their pregnancy.
Conclusion
For pregnant women in Qatar, understanding the significance of the flu vaccine can make a substantial difference in health outcomes. The flu vaccine not only protects the mother from potential complications but also extends protection to the unborn baby.
With Qatar’s well-established healthcare infrastructure and annual vaccination campaigns, pregnant women have convenient and accessible options for getting vaccinated.
It’s important for pregnant women to consult their healthcare providers, clear their doubts, and make informed decisions that best support their health and that of their baby.
By choosing to get the flu vaccine, expectant mothers are making a proactive choice for the safety and well-being of their families.
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