EXPECTANT mothers are urged to put the flu jab at the top of their Christmas list this festive period.

NHS England in North Yorkshire and Humber has asked women to consider the jab after a new report revealed 36 pregnant women have died from flu over the last three years in England.

The figures have come to light after a national maternal deaths report, that is led by a team of academics, clinicians and charity representatives, showed that flu was the cause of death in one in 11 women who died during, or shortly after, their pregnancy between 2009 and 2012.

By taking up the offer of a free flu jab, the antibodies from the vaccine help to prevent serious infection from flu for the baby in first few weeks of life.

Dr Phil Kirby, public health consultant at NHS England (North Yorkshire and Humber), said: “Pregnant women are at increased risk of serious illness if they catch flu, so it is concerning that only 39 per cent of pregnant women have taken up the offer of the flu vaccination since the 2014 flu season began.”