Grant: Operating Grant: Analyses of Existing Cohorts & Databases - IHDCYH

Influenza -- also known as the flu -- is an infectious illness caused by a virus that affects the nose, throat and lungs. Most people who get the flu become mildly ill and recover quickly; but others, for example people with asthma or heart disease, may develop a more serious illness. Pregnant women are also more susceptible to serious illness and complications related to the flu, and for this reason, they are advised to get the influenza vaccination (a flu shot) each year. Despite this advice, Canadian research indicates that less than half of pregnant women actually received a flu shot in recent flu seasons. One reason that pregnant women might decide not to get a flu shot is due to concern about safety for their children. Many research studies done over the past several years to examine newborns whose mothers received a flu shot during pregnancy have found not only that it is safe, but also that it helps to prevent the flu in young infants who are born during the flu season. However, there is limited information on possible health benefits or concerns during the early childhood years. Our study will examine important health outcomes among children up to six years of age in order to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the long-term safety of influenza vaccination during pregnancy. Our findings will provide valuable information to pregnant women and their families, as well as to health care providers working to ensure that mothers and their children are in the best possible health.