2009 H1N1 influenza prevention and treatment: counseling infertility patients

It is known that pregnant women are at high risk for complications from the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. Reproductive endocrinologists often have the opportunity to evaluate patients before conception and are able to counsel them before they become part of this high-risk obstetrics group. The 2009 H1N1 vaccine data and the current recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and American Society of Reproductive Medicine are discussed. There is universal agreement in recommending vaccination for all pregnant women and all women attempting conception. Patients should be counseled regarding the vaccine and consider delaying conception until the immunization has been received.