Community

Dangers of flu during pregnancy: Welsh mums urged to beat flu

Published

11 years ago

December 5, 2013

HEALTH OFFICIALS have this week stressed the real dangers to pregnant women who fail to protect themselves against the flu.

A pregnant woman who contracts flu is five times more likely to have a stillborn baby or for their baby to die in the first week. They are also three times more likely to deliver prematurely, so health officials in Wales are actively promoting the free flu vaccine to help protect pregnant women against the dangers of flu to both themselves and their unborn baby.

A pregnant woman who catches flu is seven times more likely to die than a non-pregnant woman with flu, but despite this many pregnant women didn’t have the free vaccination last year.

Dr Richard Roberts, Head of the Vaccine Preventable Diseases Programme at Public Health Wales, explains why, and how, pregnant women should protect themselves from flu:

“Expectant mothers do not have the same ability as other healthy people to fight viruses such as flu, and this can be devastating for the woman and her unborn baby.

“If a pregnant woman catches the flu it can cause severe complications to mum and baby: but this can all be prevented with one quick, simple vaccination”.

A number of studies have also shown that flu vaccination during pregnancy also provides a level of immunity against flu to infants in their first few months of life.

Women can have the flu vaccination at any stage in their pregnancy, but the sooner the better. It is perfectly safe to breastfeed after the flu vaccination. Lots of information and data on inactivated flu vaccines has been collected from across the world and there is no indication that these vaccinations have an adverse effect on mother or baby.

The annual flu vaccination programme aims to ensure that the people who need it most get free protection each year against the flu. This includes everyone aged 65 and over and people with certain long term health conditions, as well as pregnant women.

This year for the first time a flu nasal spray vaccine is being offered to children who were two or three years old on 1 September and school year 7 pupils. The younger children will have the spray in their GP practice and Year 7 children will receive their nasal spray vaccine in school.

Case study

Pregnant south Wales sisters beat flu by getting their free jab together.

Two sisters from south Wales have opted to beat flu together as they took themselves, and their baby bumps, to the GP for their free vaccination.

Sisters Kate Williams and Beth Johnson, originally from Ammanford in Carmarthenshire, wanted to protect themselves and their babies against the dangers of flu that are especially problematic for mums-to-be.

Carmarthenshire sisters Kate and Beth are not willing to take any chances with flu this year. 6 months pregnant and mother of one Kate Williams, 38, said:

“I decided to have the flu jab as I will be pregnant throughout the winter and definitely do not want to be hit by the flu virus for the sake of my health and my unborn baby.

“I heard the adverts on the radio about the free vaccination and called my surgery to book an appointment. It was really easy and not painful. I now have the peace of mind that I and my unborn baby will be protected. I would advise all pregnant women to go and get the jab so you and your baby are protected.”

Kate’s younger sister Beth Johnson, 35, is 8 months pregnant. She added:

“My surgery advised me to have the flu jab as I was pregnant. Initially I didn’t realise I was eligible for the free vaccination or that I should have it, but after hearing how ill you can be with the virus and what serious consequences it can have for pregnant women and unborn babies, I had it. Now I’m happy that I will be protected and can rest easy approaching the final stages of my pregnancy.”

Charity

Kurtz goes Jurassic as Pantosaurus visits Senedd NSPCC Campaign

Published

9 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Richard Lewis

THIS WEEK, the NSPCC’s annual campaign to safeguard children from sexual abuse reached the steps of the Senedd.

Pantosaurus, the friendly mascot of the NSPCC’s PANTS campaign, appeared to raise awareness among Members of the Senedd and the wider public about the vital importance of child safety. The campaign encourages parents and carers to talk openly with young children about risks and protective measures.

The PANTS campaign is built around five key child protection messages:

Privates are private.
Always remember your body belongs to you.
No means no.
Talk about secrets that upset you.
Speak up; someone can help.

After meeting Pantosaurus, Samuel Kurtz MS, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, expressed his support for the campaign

He said: “I wholeheartedly support this important NSPCC initiative. Since its launch in 2013, it has empowered over six million families to discuss this sensitive subject.

“This issue affects communities across Wales, so promoting the five principles of PANTS is essential for everyone in Pembrokeshire and beyond.”

Community

Crowdfunding drive launched for documentary on forgotten 1967 football match

Published

18 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A CROWDFUNDING campaign has launched to support a new documentary capturing a nearly forgotten piece of football history—a 1967 charity match in Liverpool featuring Hungarian football icon Ferenc Puskás, alongside British legends Billy Liddell and John Charles.

Daniel Metcalf, director of the film and grandson of Chester FC striker Mike Metcalf, who played in the match, describes the film as “a love letter to the beautiful game,” aiming to highlight community spirit and the unity of sport. “Through personal stories, historic footage, and expert insights, we’ll revisit this unique game and explore 1960s football’s influence over the decades,” he said.

The project has attracted substantial backing, including collaboration with Chester FC, endorsements from notable players like Neville Southall, and the involvement of a skilled production team with narration by broadcaster Kim Thomas.

Supporters can choose from various funding tiers, with contributions starting at £10 for acknowledgments and extending to £5,000 Producer credits. Rewards range from film credits to signed memorabilia and invitations to the UK premiere. The funding target of £3,300 aims to cover initial production costs, with stretch goals set to enhance production quality.

Filming will commence in Chester in May 2025, with the documentary slated for release in early 2026 for the festival circuit.

For more information or to support the project, visit Kickstarter.

Community

Carew Castle triumphs again as Visitor Attraction of the Year at Croeso Awards

Published

21 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

CAREW Castle, one of Pembrokeshire’s most treasured landmarks, has once again been named Visitor Attraction of the Year at the prestigious Visit Pembrokeshire Croeso Awards, cementing its place as a top destination for visitors to the region.

The award, presented during a grand ceremony at Pembrokeshire College, recognises the Castle’s ongoing dedication to providing an exceptional visitor experience. This second consecutive win underscores Carew Castle’s commitment to excellence, from its welcoming guides to its expertly preserved grounds and engaging events, drawing visitors year-round.

Daisy Hughes, Manager of Carew Castle, expressed gratitude for the continued recognition: “Winning this award two years in a row is a testament to everyone involved in bringing Carew Castle to life – from the knowledgeable guides to the conservationists, dedicated team of volunteers, and our hardworking tearoom team. It’s truly a group effort, and we’re honoured to be recognised once more as one of Pembrokeshire’s premier attractions.”

The Castle has become a hub of excitement year-round, with special charm during the quieter winter months. Seasonal events like Glow, an enchanting Christmas light display, featuring rooms of the Castle dressed for the festivities and live musical performances, draw visitors of all ages. This festive season also includes Santa’s Grotto, a Christmas Needle Felting Workshop, and children’s Christmas Craft Workshops – ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy as the nights draw in.

Carew Castle is open daily from 11am to 3pm throughout the winter, with extended hours on Fridays through Sundays when Glow and Santa’s Grotto are in full swing.

For a full schedule of upcoming events and activities at Carew Castle, visit www.carewcastle.com.

Pictured: Carew Castle is celebrating its second consecutive win as Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Croeso Awards, recognised for its exceptional visitor experience and engaging year-round events.