The province is now recommending that pregnant women who are in the second half of their pregnancy (20 weeks and over) receive the adjuvanted vaccine at this time. In addition, those pregnant women who are under 20 weeks and have serious underlying health conditions should also receive the adjuvanted vaccine at this time. This recommendation is supported by the Public Health Agency of Canada and the National Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada.

“The original plan, based on national recommendations, was to wait until the unadjuvanted vaccine was available for pregnant women unless there was an increase in influenza activity,” said Dr. Heather Morrison, Chief Health Officer. “We have started to see an increase in the amount of influenza-like illness reported in the province which has prompted PEI, and many other provinces, to recommend the adjuvanted vaccine to pregnant women in certain situations.”

This decision is based on the fact that pregnant women in the second half of their pregnancy or those under 20 weeks that have underlying health conditions have a high risk of complications and would therefore benefit most from getting vaccinated.

Pregnant women can start to receive the vaccine at their obstetrician’s office and, in addition, there will be clinics held this week in Charlottetown and Summerside for prenatal patients who are in their second half of their pregnancy or those who are under 20 weeks but have serious underlying health conditions.

Clinics include:

Polyclinic Medical Centre ~ October 30, 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m.

Summerside Medical Centre ~ October 30, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Pregnant women can also receive the vaccine at any public health clinic across the province. For a complete list of the times and locations of upcoming clinics, watch the newspaper, visit www.gov.pe.ca/flu or call 1-888-748-5454 for further information.