Flu Vaccines - Not for 1st Trimester?

amberhoothoot

Hi Ladies,

Last time around my doc told me it's fine to get a flu shot and actually recommended because children under 6 months can't get them and it would protect the baby through the next flu season. I am a believer in vaccines (we all have our side of that argument).

Well every year my office has a free flu vaccine clinic, and this was noted...

Who is Eligible?

Flu shots are offered to all employees; however, if you are allergic to eggs or egg products or

are pregnant in your first trimester, (name of clinic company) will not administer the flu vaccination and will

advise you to see your personal physician.

Um, why not? Now I'm second guessing myself. 

So I googled... and all these major sites say that pregnant women SHOULD get the flu shot.

-https://www.cdc.gov/features/pregnancyandflu/

-https://www.mayoclinic.com/health/influenza/AN00651

-https://www.babycenter.com/404_is-it-safe-to-get-a-flu-shot-when-im-pregnant_2488.bc

It's not like I'm going to tell HR I'm pregnant for no reason. but this stinks. Guess I'll have to pay $30.00 to get it done.

AllieSchur

I am pretty sure it is a liability issue. They don't want you to sue the company.

Similar to how almost all medicines say "do not take if pregnant, or consult your physician" even if they are okay to take while pregnant.

amberhoothoot

AllieSchur said:

I am pretty sure it is a liability issue. They don't want you to sue the company.

Similar to how almost all medicines say "do not take if pregnant, or consult your physician" even if they are okay to take while pregnant.

Yeah I guess that makes sense. Just hate paying for it when everyone else gets it free.

Oddly enough, last time I was pregnant there was no disclaimer and I even asked the shot person if it was ok because I was only 6 weeks pregnant then to, and they said it was fine.

CurlieWhirlie

I bet it's because they're worried people will blame the flu shot if they go on to have a first tri miscarriage. I'm sure that could still potentially happen in the second and third tri, but since miscarriage is so much more common in first tri they probably figure the risk of being blamed is greater.

Snowflake312

AllieSchur said:

I am pretty sure it is a liability issue. They don't want you to sue the company.

This exactly.  I plan to get mine next week.  We've already had a few cases over the last month at the hospital I work at.  Sooner the better!

rowanthefrog

It's fine to get during the 1st tri. They just don't want you blaming them for a m/c. You can't get a massage in the 1st tri for the same reason.

A

amberhoothoot

DH did some more research on it when I brought it up. He said it's due to the risk of Mercury being in the vaccines that are from a vial. Mercury is a preservative used in the big vials, and 1st trimester is when a lot of developmental issues occur. Some issues are linked to mercury, but rare from flu shots. Basically he said I'm supposed to find a place that does single dose shots (not from a big vial) because those contain no mercury. Looks like CVS has them around here.

Also, it's best to get them right away. The 1st trimester is most important (again for developmental issues) and if you get a bad fever, it's really not good.

So it's off to CVS I go.

HeatherSP13

That is surprising.  My work is giving flu shot to everyone free including all stages of pregnancy.  I got it when I was in middle of first trimester.

amberhoothoot

You are correct @ghostmonkey.

I was able to get the shot for free at a local pharmacy that had the preservative free shot on hand. I didn't realize they could run my insurance card like that.

spartybride3

My doctor told me today to not get one until I am into my 2nd trimester. She also said to get one that is not live & that it has something that starts with a T in it...

Also, massages are ok in the 1st trimester. I get them twice/week

danidx3

The reason they won't give the shot to you at work is because not all flu shots are preservative free. While pregnant it is important to have the preservative free shot. Not all pharmacy a have them in hand. My pharmacy had to order a preservative free shot which only took a day.

Anne Mommy

I got the flu shot in the first trimester with my first two pregnancies. This round I will be just into the second trimester because of their schedule. If it is available then go for it.

schwabab

I am waiting until second tri (out of the embryo stage and it is a fetus.)