Maternal Flu Vaccine Trial in Bamako, Mali

The Center for Vaccine Development - Mali is interested in learning if vaccinating a pregnant woman against influenza will protect her infant against this disease. The investigators know that influenza infection, the "flu", affects pregnant women and their infants in Mali. The illness known as flu is caused by a germ (virus) that is passed easily among people. The flu causes symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, and body aches. Certain groups of people, such as pregnant women and infants, are at risk for having severe disease when they get the flu. Vaccination against influenza is not routinely available to pregnant women in Mali although it is recommended. Women who wish to participate will have 5 visits to the clinic and weekly visits to the home to follow the health of the woman and her infant when it is born. The investigators will also ask permission to make weekly visits to all children under 5 years of age to follow their health as it relates to influenza infection.