FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
19 March 2026
Dr Megha Khanna Announces New Maternal Immunization & Respiratory Season Guidance to Safeguard Pregnant Women and Newborns
Kolkata, India — Dr. Megha Khanna, widely recognized as the best lady gynecologist in Kolkata, today issued an important maternal immunization guidance and recommendation ahead of the upcoming respiratory illness season. The guidance, released to all major news channels and health stakeholders, underscores the critical need for evidence‑based vaccination strategies to protect both pregnant women and newborns from severe respiratory infections.
In her statement, Dr Khanna emphasized the increasing burden of respiratory viruses — including influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID‑19 — which pose significant risks during pregnancy due to altered immune responses and potential complications for infants postpartum. Drawing on the latest scientific evidence and international best practices in obstetric care, she urged clinicians, public health officials, and pregnant individuals to prioritize maternal immunization as a cornerstone of prenatal care.
“Respiratory illnesses can lead to serious outcomes for both mothers and babies,” Dr Khanna said. “The latest research shows that vaccines administered during pregnancy not only reduce the risk of hospitalization and severe disease in expectant mothers, but also provide passive immunity to infants in their first vulnerable months of life.” Her recommendations align with global clinical guidance emphasizing routine assessment and vaccination throughout pregnancy as part of comprehensive maternal health care.
Maternal immunization is supported by leading obstetrical organizations worldwide. Recent updates highlight the safety and effectiveness of administering recommended vaccines — including influenza, COVID‑19, and RSV — at any stage of pregnancy when eligible, provided clinical criteria are met. Vaccination also notably decreases the incidence of preterm births, severe maternal morbidity, and newborn hospitalizations related to respiratory infections.
Dr Khanna’s press release also addresses the pervasive challenge of vaccine misinformation, which can deter pregnant individuals from seeking recommended immunizations. In response, she called for enhanced education campaigns through clinics, community outreach, and digital platforms to ensure accurate, accessible information reaches expectant families. “As health professionals, we must reinforce trust in vaccines by communicating transparently about their benefits and safety,” she stated.
The guidance further encourages obstetric care providers to integrate immunization counseling into routine prenatal visits, to tailor recommendations based on individual health histories, timing of pregnancy relative to respiratory season peaks, and any pre‑existing conditions that may influence vaccine choice or timing.
Public health experts in India and beyond have increasingly documented the substantial impact of respiratory viruses during pregnancy, with thousands of adverse maternal and infant outcomes linked annually to influenza, RSV, and COVID‑19. Evidence suggests that improved maternal immunization strategies could prevent many of these events and strengthen overall maternal‑child health outcomes.

“As we approach another respiratory season,” Dr Khanna concluded, “it is imperative that both healthcare professionals and pregnant individuals take proactive steps to ensure immunizations are up to date. A healthier pregnancy starts with preventive care — and maternal vaccination is a proven, life‑saving tool.”
For media inquiries, interviews, and further information, contact Dr Megha Khanna’s clinic at the provided official channels.

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