Vaccines & special-risk groups: Pregnant individuals

Physiological changes associated with pregnancy can potentially lead to severe complications like inadequate fetus size for gestational age, premature birth, and increased mortality of both the pregnant person and the neonate. When pregnant individuals are vaccinated, they create antibodies that are transmitted to the fetus. Often, this immunity will protect the infant until they are old enough to receive vaccines themselves.

Among the different special-risk population groups for vaccine-preventable diseases, people that are pregnant have particular vaccination needs that will be highlighted at this event. Pharmacists can play a key role in raising awareness of the importance of vaccination among this population group.

By the end of the session participants should be able to:
• Understand the most important vaccines for pregnant individuals
• Recognise the role of pharmacists in promoting vaccination to this population group
• Discuss strategies for pharmacists to support pregnant individuals with their vaccination needs.

Moderator:
- Rúben Viegas, Practice Development and Transformation Projects Coordinator, FIP

Panellists
- Pat O'Brien,  Chair, Vaccine Committee of the RCOG & RCM, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists - UK
- Natalie Gauld, Consultant,  Natalie Gauld Ltd - New Zealand