HEALTHCARE providers need to discuss the benefits and the safety of vaccination during pregnancy, especially highlighting the benefits for the unborn baby are important in helping women decide, according to a newly published Australian Prescriber article.
'Immunisation and pregnancy -- who, what, when and why?' gives a 'five-minute read' of the issues involved.
"Only two vaccines are routinely recommended during pregnancy -- influenza vaccine is recommended throughout, and pertussis vaccine is recommended at 28--32 weeks but can be given later," authors wrote.
"Some other vaccines can be administered in special circumstances but are not routinely recommended."
In particular all live attenuated vaccines are contraindicated in pregnancy, "although there has been no evidence of adverse effects from inadvertent administration".
"Recommending vaccination to pregnant women is important as evidence shows they are more likely to get vaccinated if their healthcare provider advises it."
Go to nps.org.au for the article.
MEANWHILE, a CPD for pharmacists article in the same edition focuses on the safety of over-the-counter pharmacy dispensing of naloxone.
"After brief training, numerous evaluation studies have confirmed naloxone can be safely administered by laypeople, and is effective in reversing opioid overdose with no abuse potential," authors explain.
Health professionals are "uniquely placed to identify those at risk" of overdose, provide "a life-saving drug" and also train family and friends of the person at risk of overdose - CLICK HERE.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 03 Aug 17
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 03 Aug 17
