DOCTORS are urging pregnant women across the district to protect themselves – and their unborn babies – from flu.

Free vaccinations are being offered to every mum-to-be in Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven.

Figures show that last year around half of pregnant women across the Bradford district and Craven didn't have the jab.

Now the area's clinical commissioning groups have joined forces to issue a plea, stressing that the vaccination is safe.

The jab is available from midwives, GPs and pharmacies.

Anne Connolly, clinical lead for maternity and women's health at the CCGs, said: "Every year we encourage those who are most at risk to get their free flu vaccination.

"Mums-to-be could develop complications, affecting both their own health and that of their unborn baby, if they catch the virus.

"Flu is an unpleasant illness that can result in expectant mums developing pneumonia, and suffering a miscarriage, stillbirth or premature labour.

"And those who don't develop complications will find they are out of action for a couple of weeks, making life particularly hard for mums who have other young children to care for."

She said she was aware of concerns from some pregnant women about the effect the vaccine could have on their unborn child.

But she added: "I want to reassure people that the seasonal flu vaccine is safe.

"An outbreak of flu can have a serious impact on the health of those with long-term conditions or who are vulnerable, like mums-to-be.

"Some people can have the flu but not show any symptoms, so it's impossible to avoid catching it if you're around those who haven't been immunised unless you've had the jab to protect yourself and your baby.

"If you don't have the jab you also are at increased risk of passing the virus onto vulnerable friends or family members, particularly others who are pregnant, young children or those over the age of 65, or people who have a long-term health condition."

Mums with two and three-year-old children are also encouraged to get them vaccinated.

Free vaccinations for children in reception and years one to four should have taken place in schools, but any child not vaccinated can be taken to their GP or a pharmacy.

For more information and advice, visit the CCGs' Facebook page or nhs.uk/Conditions/Flu.

A video can also be viewed, at youtu.be/FojQ-4jgAkg.