Lindsey Carr

This article was originally published on 

Representatives from NFID and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) held a press conference yesterday to discuss the findings and encourage everyone 6 months or older to receive the annual flu vaccine.

“Pregnant women are at risk for severe influenza infection, which means a greater risk for hospitalization, ICU admission, and death,” said Laura E. Riley, MD, obstetrician and gynecologist-in-chief at New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center and chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York City, New York.

“Nearly half of pregnant women and their infants remain unprotected against the flu,” Riley said.

 Survey results showed a coverage rate of 55% among pregnant women, similar to the prior season.

“An important effect of the vaccine when given during pregnancy is that maternal antibodies to influenza cross the placenta and provide protection for the neonate in the first few months of life, when the baby is at high risk for severe disease and is not eligible for its vaccination,” Riley told 

NFID’s annual survey collected information on attitudes and behaviors around flu, pneumococcal disease, and COVID-19 for the 2020 to 2021 flu season.

 Results showed that, in adults 65 and older or those at higher risk for pneumococcal disease, 51% are not familiar with pneumococcal disease. More startling, is that only about one-third (32%) of respondents reported being advised to get vaccinated against pneumococcal disease.

Racial and ethnic disparities in flu vaccine uptake were evident, with Hispanic adults (52%) and Black adults (45%) more likely to be worried about contracting both COVID-19 and the flu at the same time compared to White adults (27%).

“Given the risk of the disease, the clear benefit of vaccination and the ample safety data makes it a no-brainer in terms of what needs to happen,” Riley said.

CDC. 2020-21 Flu Season Summary FAQ. . Accessed October 7, 2021. 

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/season/faq-flu-season-2020-2021.htm#anchor_1627000392551

National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. US Health Officials Urge Vaccination Amid Concerns About Influenza Resurgence During Ongoing Pandemic. Prnewswire.com. Published October 7, 2021. Accessed October 8, 2021. 

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/us-health-officials-urge-vaccination-amid-concerns-about-influenza-resurgence-during-ongoing-pandemic-301394791.html

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According to new survey data from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, nearly 1 in 4 people at high risk for flu-related complications, such as pregnant women, did not plan to get vaccinated.

Flu Survey Results Reveal Vulnerability of Pregnant Women

 was developed by ACOG’s Immunization, Infectious Disease, and Public Health Preparedness Expert Work Group in collaboration with 

; Richard Beigi, MD; Denise J. Jamieson, MD, MPH; Brenna L. Hughes, MD, MSc; Geeta Swamy, MD; Linda O’Neal Eckert, MD; Mark Turrentine, MD; and Sarah Carroll, MPH. The Practice Advisory will reflect any changes as more data are collected about the vaccines and their use in specific populations.

ACOG recommends that pregnant individuals have access to COVID-19 vaccines.

COVID-19 vaccines should be offered to lactating individuals.

Individuals considering a COVID-19 vaccine should have access to available information about the safety and efficacy of the vaccine, including information about data that are not available.

A discussion with their health care provider can help them make an informed decision.

the risk and potential severity of maternal disease, including the effects of disease on the fetus and newborn

the safety of the vaccine for the pregnant patient and the fetus.

While a conversation with a clinician may be helpful, it should not be required prior to vaccination, as this may cause unnecessary barriers to access.

Pregnancy testing should not be a requirement prior to receiving any EUA-approved COVID-19 vaccine.

Unfounded claims linking COVID-19 vaccines to infertility have been scientifically disproven. ACOG recommends vaccination for all eligible people who may consider future pregnancy.

Women under age 50 including those who are pregnant can receive any FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine available to them. However, they should be aware of the rare risk of TTS (thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome) after receipt of the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine and that other FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccines are available (i.e., mRNA vaccines)

The Practice Advisory, developed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), offers an overview of the latest guidance for COVID-19 vaccination in pregnant and lactating patients.

ACOG Advisory Offers Guidance for COVID-19 Vaccination in Pregnant and Lactating Patients

The FDA has approved the drug, which is a new combined oral contraceptive (COC) with 3 mg drospirenone (DRSP) and 14.2 mg estetrol (E4). Developed by Mithra Pharmaceuticals, it is the first and only contraceptive pill containing E4. That means it is the first new estrogen introduced in the U.S. in more than 50 years.

Nextstellis will be marketed and distributed by Mayne Pharma, SA, by the end of June 2021.

In phase 3 clinical trials conducted in 3725 women, Nextstellis proved to be safe, effective, and demonstrated outstanding cycle control, bleeding control, safety and tolerability, according to reports.

“When speaking with patients about their contraceptive options, one of the most common concerns is side effects,” said Mitchell Creinin, Professor and Director of Family Planning at the University of California in a 

. Clinical results showed a desirable bleeding profile and minimal impact on triglycerides, cholesterol and glucose, and on weight and endocrine markers. Nextstellis also produced significantly lower increases in sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) compared to two other contraceptives containing the synthetic estrogen ethinyl-estradiol (EE).

Nextstellis (drospirenone; estetrol) now is approved as a combined oral contraceptive for birth control.