A CONCERNED mum-of-two has warned all expectant mothers to get vaccinated against flu before the illness reaches its seasonal winter peak.

Louise Noblett, who works as a midwife at Blackburn Birthing Centre and is currently six months pregnant with her second child, has had her free flu vaccination.

She said it is important that mums-to-be and their unborn babies are protected from flu because it can cause complications including potential miscarriage or premature birth.

Ms Noblett said: “As a mum I want to make sure my baby is protected this winter from flu, it’s completely safe to have at any stage of your pregnancy and is free and quick to have.

"There are too many risks to my unborn baby and me if catch flu”.

Her colleague Vicky Wright, who is also a midwife at the birthing centre, supported her calls for mums-to-be to get vaccinated against flu.

She said: “Pregnancy naturally weakens the body’s immune system and, as a result, increases the risk of a mother and unborn baby becoming seriously ill from flu. These risks include bronchitis, pneumonia this is why it’s so important for mums to be to have their flu vaccination.

"It protects them and their baby and give some immunity to the baby from flu in the first few months of its life”.

Last year across the North West 20,940 pregnant women had their flu vaccination.

This year the NHS aims to ensure more pregnant women and their unborn babies are protected from flu and its potentially serious risks.

Marie Boles, director of nursing for NHS North West said: “It’s very important for pregnant women to have their flu vaccination and protect themselves and their unborn baby to. Flu is a serious illness and if caught whilst pregnant can have serious consequences to unborn babies such as low birth weight and being born to early.

"Speak to your GP or midwife about getting your flu vaccination”.

NHS chiefs said that pregnant women are recommended to receive the flu vaccine at any stage of their pregnancy.

They said that now is the ideal time for mums-to-be to have their free flu vaccination – either from their GP or midwife.

The warning comes amid predictions that a potentially deadly strain of the illness may be heading to East Lancashire.

Dr Pervez Muzaffar, who made the warning, said there is evidence of an unprecedented surge in cases of influenza A virus H3N2, dubbed the ‘Aussie flu’, which could kill if people don't get vaccinated.

Other at risk groups include children and those with asthmas or a long term condition.

Currently the vaccine is available free on the NHS for eligible children, children aged two and three, all primary school children, and children aged 2 to 17 with long-term health conditions.

If your child is aged two or three, contact your GP to book your appointment and if your child is aged between four and nine, sign the consent form which will be sent to you from school.

Those with asthma or a long term condition should automatically be contacted by GP.