Laboratory-Confirmed Influenza Hospitalizations During Pregnancy or the Early Postpartum Period - Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China, 2018-2023.

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS TOPIC?: Pregnancy is associated with increased risk for severe illness and complications attributable to influenza infection. Information about the incidence of influenza hospitalization among pregnant and early postpartum women in China is limited.

WHAT IS ADDED BY THIS REPORT?: Population-based data from a large city in southern China estimated the annual influenza hospitalization rate to be 2.1 per 1,000 live births. Among hospitalized pregnant and postpartum women with influenza, 86% were admitted to obstetrics rather than respiratory medicine wards; fewer than one third received antiviral treatment. Influenza vaccination coverage among hospitalized pregnant and postpartum women with influenza was <0.1%.

WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE?: Increasing vaccination coverage among pregnant women can reduce influenza-associated morbidity. Raising awareness about early detection, treatment, and infection control of influenza in obstetrics wards is needed to reduce the adverse impact of influenza on pregnant women.