Pregnant women and swine flu vaccine

THE imminent swine flu vaccine may not be “suitable” for pregnant women, a leading Irish expert has admitted.

Speaking before the first human trials of a potential vaccine were due to take place in Australia today, Dr Sam Coulter Smith, master of the Rotunda Hospital, said women should not be unduly concerned by international calls for them to delay pregnancy until after the pandemic.

However, he added that it was not clear whether the upcoming swine flu vaccine – which is expected to become available in September – would be safe for pregnant women to use.