HEALTH chiefs sounded an urgent call today for mums-to-be to get their flu jab.

It comes after it was revealed that just 12 per cent of pregnant women in Dorset have signed up for their jab.

The NHS in Dorset says women carrying a child who do not get a flu jab are more likely to become seriously ill.

Flu vaccinations are offered to people considered at risk every year to help protect against the most common strains of flu.

Despite a good take up across Dorset, pregnant women are lagging behind other groups.

Denise Winter works with the NHS Dorset Public Health team and wants to increase awareness.

She said: “I hear lots of different myths around flu, the main one being people thinking they have natural immunity.

“We are asking anyone who is considered in an at risk group to get protected.

“Even if you don’t normally suffer from flu symptoms you could be carrying the virus and pass it on to other mums and babies without even realising it.

“It has only been a recent development that women who are pregnant have been offered a flu jab.

“However we are working with local midwives to help raise awareness of this and encourage mums to take up the offer and get protected.”

Head of Midwifery at Dorset County Hospital Jo Hartley said it is important pregnant women are protected from the virus as they are at increased risk of being extremely ill should they contract flu.

Mums-to-be are urged to peak to their midwife or contact their local maternity unit for accurate, up to date advice.

For more information visit nhs.uk/flu