Quick flu shot question - try not to flame :)

ladyteach0505

I have been waiting to get the flu shot until my anatomy scan (ducks and covers to avoid flame shots) but since we had ours today I feel slightly better about getting it. That said, my sister in law is a NP an recommends three strain Mercury free. Target recommends four strain with Thimerosal for pregnancy.

Has anyone heard of this four strain one protects against this new flu strain?

lindsey85d

Wish I could help! I was just told to get one and I did-I didn't ask which one it was

ladyteach0505

Not that people are mean, but there have been many heated posts on May 15 about the flu shot. I'm not looking to stir up trouble is what the title implies

rivers714

Thimersol is the preservative that replaced Mercury. Both those should be fine- I heard the shot this year isn't very effective anyway

ladyteach0505

I wish my ob offered it!

ladyteach0505

It's okay. My OB is so laid back- he said he really think either is fine but to get the Mercury free one if it'll lessen my anxiety. ( sigh. Nothing lessens the anxiety. )

Lalalady54

Even though there have been news reports stating that the flu shot won't be as effective this year, you should still get it, it is still protecting from som of the flu strains being seen out there! (Not saying OP you weren't going to because clearly you are, just saying in general, everyone should be getting their flu shot as recommended by their doctors )

ladyteach0505

I ended up finding the Target pharmacist most knowledgeable. She had a nice company printout that compared all of the shots and she showed me how she chose which one was best for pregnant women. It was about as reassuring as anything could be about the whole thing. Fingers crossed. I'm still super worried/anxious but it's done now so I don't have to agonize over the decision.

Ndracer

My doc just said to get the preservative free which is from a single dose vial rather than a multi dose. Sounds like the pharmacist at Target new their stuff and had done research so I wouldn't worry about it. When I went to CVS they told me there is no difference they give same shot to everyone so I left and went to Walgreens where they knew there was a difference.

MooByrd

I didn't realize there were different ones! I just got the one that my OB gave me, I'm assuming it was safe.

heathersf11

My OB told me it was fine to get any of the flu shots, just not the nasal vaccine because it has live virus. I ended up getting the preservative free shot at Target, because it was free with my insurance. 

Leslie2003

The only time I get the preservative free shot is when I'm nursing.

Otherwise I get the regular shot, even while pregnant. It's such a teeny amount, I've been fine, millions of pregnant women and their babies have been fine and I'd rather have that extra flu strain protection.

zbornak123

@rivers714 I'm confused about thimerosol "replacing Mercury". Thimerosol is the Mercury preservative.