The death of a normally healthy pregnant woman from swine flu brings home with shocking clarity why it is so important for those in the at-risk groups to ensure they are vaccinated against the H1N1 virus.

The woman's death has prompted calls from others expecting babies for more information about how she died. They want to know what stage her pregnancy was at, what age she was and whether or not doctors were able to deliver the baby by caesarean section before she died. They clearly need to know whether they fit into a similar category or not so that they can assess their own personal sense of risk.

The HSE regards the confidentiality of the family of this woman as paramount and it is absolutely right in this approach. If people who have contracted the illness feel they need to speak out in order to help others learn from their experience, they are entitled to do so and their stories can be very helpful. But the private grief of families, especially in the case of pregnant women with no underlying health issues who, until the virus struck were happily looking forward to the birth of a new life, must be unreservedly respected. Every sympathy and help must be offered to this family at this terrible time, which no doubt it is.

But it is important now that the HSE redoubles its efforts to tell the 70,000 women who are pregnant about the effects of the virus and why it makes those who are expecting babies more susceptible to life-threatening consequences.

Pregnant women naturally fear any sort of medical intervention because of the possible harmful effects on the baby. But with 40 expectant mothers having needed hospital treatment for swine flu – some in intensive care and needing emergency caesareans – a renewed campaign is clearly necessary.

Because of pregnancy women are more likely to develop pneumonia and also more likely to go into early labour if they get a serious dose. Women want detailed information. Are there any significant symptoms they should be on guard for? Should they delay pregnancy? At what stage in the pregnancy are they more, or less vulnerable? A massive campaign of information, reassurance and practical help is clearly needed.

The HSE has done enormous work to control the impact of this pandemic, but after last week's tragic death, there must be a more explicit focus on women and pregnancy. Meanwhile, their advice is that both vaccines available are safe to mother and foetus after the 14th week. Pregnant women should ensure they are vaccinated as soon possible. No pregnant woman – no matter how healthy she feels – should delay any longer.

www.swineflu.ie