Start Smart for Your Baby® (Start Smart) is our special program for women who are pregnant. We want to help you take care of yourself and your child through this whole process. Our Start Smart staff can answer questions if you are having a problem. We can even arrange for a home visit if needed.

We care about the health of you and your baby. We want to make sure you both grow healthy and stay healthy. You should go to your Primary Care Provider (PCP) as soon as you find out that you are pregnant. It is important to take your baby to the PCP after your baby is born. Your baby will need shots and health screenings.

Will you be pregnant this flu season? Healthcare Providers recommend that you get a flu shot. Being pregnant increases your risk of getting very sick from the flu. Stay healthy during your pregnancy. Get vaccinated.

Studies show that the flu shot is safe for pregnant women.

Who needs a flu vaccination?

A flu vaccine is the best way to protect against the flu. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that all children from the ages of 6 months up to 18 years get a flu vaccine every fall or winter. Children getting a vaccine for the first time need two doses. Contact your child’s Primary Care Provider (PCP) to schedule an appointment for your child to receive his/her flu vaccine. If your child does not have a PCP, call Home State to choose a PCP. Call toll-free at 1-855-694-HOME (4663).

• Flu shots can be given to children 6 months and older.
• For babies younger than 6 months, you can protect your child by getting a flu vaccine for yourself. Also encourage your child’s close contacts to get a flu vaccine. This is very important if your child is younger than 5 months. It is also important if your child has a chronic health problem like asthma (breathing disease) or diabetes (high blood sugar levels).
• A nasal-spray vaccine can be given to healthy children 2 years and older. Children under 5 years old who have had wheezing in the past year or any child with chronic health problems should get the flu shot.

Pregnancy Information and Guides

• Safe Sleep Training (PDF)
• Elective Delivery of Your Baby Health Sheet
• Miscarriage Health Sheet
• Breast Feeding your Baby Health Sheet
• Alcohol Use & Pregnancy Health Sheet
• 17P - Therapy
• Newborn Journey
• Pregnancy Journey
• Your Recovery
• RSV
• Smart Steps
• Pregnancy Guide
• Pregnancy Guide (Spanish)
• Your Pregnancy Booklet
• Domestic Violence during Pregnancy
• Five Tips for New Moms

 Approved Date: March 26, 2012

Approval Code: HSHP012