Forced into FLU Shot?

Maganda92

Has anyone else been skeptical of the flu vaccine? My Doctor has been trying to scare me into the shot since its flu season and pregnant woman are more at risk. I hear it is safe for the baby, However, Ive never agreed with this vaccine that everyone is pretty much forced to take. I'd rather stay healthy naturally & organically.

JadaBlue

On what basis do you not "agree" with a vaccine?? Regardless, no one can force you to get a vaccine so you can do what you think is best. Personally I would follow the advice of my doctor.

nhunter112

I have yet to ever take the flu shot. I have yet to get the flu and I'm on immunosuppressive medication. I don't think it's necessary personally. Especially to deal with the flu symptoms the shot will most likely leave you with. Just wash your hands and don't let strangers in your personal space. Take vitamins. Do what you feel is right.

kalanieileen

*takes out popcorn* I'll just be a spectator on this one...... 8->

MrsBajkowski

I feel no need to be vaccinated either for influenza. Get your rest, wash up often, wash your produce, eat healthy, and stay active. Mind over matter is my mantra and you know what's best for your body and baby!

mumidi

Personally I'm a teacher and don't usually get a flu shot. However I did last time I was pregnant and will again this time. I feel that "if" I was to get the flu while pregnant there are too many risks to the baby. The flu can be serious (although not always) and of course I might not get it or still get it. I simply feel this is one thing I can do to reduce the risk.

littlesocks

I'm not sure why you are skeptical about the flu shot, but you may find some interesting points regarding the flu shot in the "Opinions That May Not Always be Popular" thread. The conversation starts at the bottom of page 3 and goes into page 4.
@AmadorRose and @NachosAndPeaches make pretty solid points which might help with your skepticism.
It's ultimately your decision. It may come across as being forced, but doctors are just looking out for your own (and baby's own) good.

imrachellea

kalanieileen said:

*takes out popcorn* I'll just be a spectator on this one...... 8->

This was my exact reaction when I read the title. OP, you will find that MOST (not all) women on this board are vaccinators, including the flu shot.

sarahufl

ugh, this is always on these boards. Get the damn shot.

jammer841

I got the flu shot 2 weeks ago and I've been fine. I'm a nurse so I'm required to have it. I do have a friend who's pregnant with twins and she is at high risk for multiple things and she also was told by 2 doctors to get the flu shot

Pinguinageddon

I've never gotten a flu shot before, and we don't have flu season here, so my doctor hasn't suggested it, but I would definitely suggest getting it for the sake of baby. You can keep hand sanitizer on you and eat right, but you can't avoid other people, strangers, people who have the infection, places they've touched, the air they breathe. You're more susceptible this season, and you've got a little one who won't be able to fight if your healthy habits aren't enough.

MiyaD

I'm feeling nervous about getting the shot too myself. I teach Kindergarten and have never gotten the shot or got the flu. I took one several years ago and got the flu. I'm stuck on what to do as well...

smithermansm

I have also had the flu shot (I work at a hospital). I'm my opinion, this seems like a situation where it's better to be safe than sorry. The risks to baby from getting the flu are much higher than the flu shot. At the end of the day, you have to do what you feel comfortable with for you and your baby. Just be careful to avoid being exposed to the flu.

jonesl12

You can not get the true flu from getting the flu shot. If you have a fever they won't give you the shot to begin with .
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/misconceptions.htm

Brandi81012

I have gotten a flu shot every year since I can remember, now I have to because I am a nurse. I personally have never had any side effects from the shots besides mild discomfort and soreness at the injection site. I know people can sometimes get a couple very very mild symptoms but in my mind if I am doing something that can protect myself and my baby there is no question. But it is totally up to you.

AmadorRose

Viruses don't look at the organic food in your refrigerator and count the number of times you wash your hands in a day. They invade your body and attack your immune system; unless your body already has immunity to said virus, you'll get sick. If you would rather risk the well-being of your fetus than put up with a little discomfort from a shot, that's your business. My immune system is kickin because I grew up playing in cow manure and eating dirt - I catch a cold maybe once each year. I also work with sick people every day. I'll get my vaccine again this year because I won't risk the health of my LO.

cmjenkies

Do whatever suits you, but just remember that if you ARE exposed to influenza, "mind over matter" ain't gonna save you from getting ill. True flu is no joke.

I work in healthcare, primarily with medically fragile elderly patients. I am required to get one for their safety and my own yearly anyway.

eastdurian

My Drs office has a sign that basically says get the flu shot or find a different doctor. They had 3 women hospitalized last year for catching the flu and they take it very seriously. I don't get the flu shot every year but I'm not going to risk it this year because I'd do anything to not put myself at risk of the flu.

Plus we're going to spend a lot of time out of state visiting family, one of DD's cousins has CF and so we need to protect ourselves to protect her.

ETA is your bump name in Tagalog?

spatter1

AmadorRose said:

Viruses don't look at the organic food in your refrigerator and count the number of times you wash your hands in a day. They invade your body and attack your immune system; unless your body already has immunity to sa D virus, you'll get sick. If you would rather risk the well-being of your fetus than put up with a little discomfort from a shot, that's your business. My immune system is kickin because I grew up playing in cow manure and eating dirt - I catch a cold maybe once each year. I also work with sick people every day. I'll get my vaccine again this year because I won't risk the health of my LO.

Agree. And the prevalent flu strains change almost every year so the likelihood of being immune to a given year's most prevalent strains is small. Hence the need for annual vaccination. Universal vaccines are in development, and once they're available we should only need one shot in our lifetime. But it will be years before they are available.

I'm curious how you make sure people stay out of your personal space? Do you completely isolate yourself during flu season? If you take public transportation, work in an office, participate in any clubs or group activities, go out to dinner, etc. then people are in your "personal" space all day. What about your significant other or others you might live with? They are around people all day too and bring those germs home. Washing your hands and eating healthy are good rules to follow for overall health, but aren't fool proof methods. Neither is the shot, but the combination of all three gives you the best chance of staying healthy. Not to mention, the "flu symptoms" you might get after the shot are just mild side effects. Real flu symptoms are extreme - you will feel absolutely horrible and as others have stated flu is more dangerous in pregnant women. During 2009, 12% of pregnancy-related deaths were attributed to flu.

In the end it's your choice, no one can force you. To me it's not even a question. Why wouldn't I do everything I can to protect my baby and myself while I'm growing baby? That includes washing my hands, eating well, exercising, getting enough sleep and getting my flu and Tdap shots.

Wils0722

Personally, vaccinations are a social responsibility. Quit reading blogs and social media instead of actual scientific and medical studies. I got the flu vaccination while pregnant and feel that not only did I do what I could to protect my child I did what I could to help prevent the spread of disease in society.

Ready4theParty

I am pro vaccines but I don't get the flu shot. DD does but I don't get it for myself, pregnant or not.

I was getting the flu shot in high school and college and when I did this I would get horribly sick at least two or three times during the flu season. My first year out of college I missed getting my shot and was mildly sick that season. I got it the next year and was terribly sick again. I get that they don't always get it right when they "put it together" but I have had better odds without it than with. I agree washing up regularly, moving often and being mindful in general is a good way to avoid.

DougalMcG

Personally, I think it's selfish not to get a flu vaccine if you have access to one, especially if you are pregnant. Herd immunity doesn't work by eating organic vegetable and cleaning your nose with a Neti pot. Herd immunity works by everybody doing there part in society and getting the recommended vaccines as per the CDC/ WHO. The strains of influenza that they protect against are no joke. And while you might be able to fight it off, there are people around you with compromised immune systems who may not be as lucky. Plus, as pp mentioned, your immunity goes down when you are pregnant. Yes, it only protects against ~40% of the strain, but 40% is better than 0%. Also, you can be a carrier for the flu, exhibit no symptoms, and still pass it on to other people.

kalanieileen

If you get the flu shot while pregnant, you will pass antibodies to your baby. Your baby will be protected to help fight off the flu up to 6 months after birth. mangyaring, tumanggap ng bukana...

littlesocks

kalanieileen said:

mangyaring, tumanggap ng bukana...

Is that English?

RoseShadow873

I don't like getting forced into vaccines either, but you aren't being forced by being given good advice. I was forced in the military to get many, many vaccines that I know I did not need. I have never had the flu in my life, shot or no; I have a killer immune system and practice obsessive hygiene so I think my chances of getting it are low. However, I do go to college where everyone is always sick, so I chose to get a flu shot this year for my baby because it was responsible. I'm sure it will not hurt anything.

kalanieileen

littlesocks said:

kalanieileen said:

mangyaring, tumanggap ng bukana...

Is that English?

Haha no, it is not. Her screen name "maganda" is in tagalog, meaning beautiful. Assuming the OP also understands Tagalog, I simply gave her advice in Tagalog as well: please, get the vaccine.

thaisac1

Maganda92 said:

Has anyone else been skeptical of the flu vaccine? My Doctor has been trying to scare me into the shot since its flu season and pregnant woman are more at risk. I hear it is safe for the baby, However, Ive never agreed with this vaccine that everyone is pretty much forced to take. I'd rather stay healthy naturally & organically.

Unfortunately you are looking at this from the wrong angle. Your doctor is not trying to "force you" into anything. He/she is giving you the best recommendation for your health and the health and safety of your baby.

Contracting the flu during pregnancy can be very serious and even lead to miscarriage, not only to mention dangers to your own health as your immune system is weaker during pregnancy.

Your thought of avoiding flu by "staying healthy" is extremely naive. The flu virus doesn't choose to only infect non-healthy people. Unless you and all of your family members lock yourselves in the house for the entire flu season, there is no way to avoid possible exposure.

It is true that the flu vaccine is less than 50% efficacious in preventing the flu, but it IS the best shield we have against this very serious illness. I will be taking a flu shot as soon as the campain begins, and so will my husband because his immunity will protect me and our baby as well.

I really hope that you can see this as an opportunity to maximize your health and the health of your baby, rather than "evil doctors pushing you to do this horrible thing". If it helps, you must know that the flu vaccine contains DEAD virus, thus it is completely safe during pregnancy (unless you have known allergies to some of the non-virus components of vaccines, which is a completely different issue).

pinottoparenthood

MrsBajkowski said:

I feel no need to be vaccinated either for influenza. Get your rest, wash up often, wash your produce, eat healthy, and stay active. Mind over matter is my mantra and you know what's best for your body and baby!

Yes. Mind over matter. If you decide not to get sick you won't. This is totally scientifically proven.

AmadorRose

pinottoparenthood said:

MrsBajkowski said:

I feel no need to be vaccinated either for influenza. Get your rest, wash up often, wash your produce, eat healthy, and stay active. Mind over matter is my mantra and you know what's best for your body and baby!

Yes. Mind over matter. If you decide not to get sick you won't. This is totally scientifically proven.

I've decided that, despite a strong family history, I'm not going to get cancer. My grandma probably only relapsed and died of breast cancer - the third time she was diagnosed with it - because she wasn't strong enough mentally. Good call.

NachosAndPeaches

i feel like the mind over matter let's page all the hyperemesis mommas and tell them mind over matter too.

OP, what exactly scares you about the flu? I would love to help you figure or why something that sounds scary is actually quite safe. Let us know and we can def help appease your fears!

xostephbby

NO vaccine has been proven safe for pregnant women and their unborn babies. actually, several have been linked to stillbirth. PLEASE do your research

tripledaggerWed95976

I personally don't see the problem with getting the flu shot. If u don't want it that's ur prerogative but trust me, ur doctor is not "forcing you" to do anything. Doctors make suggestions based on LOTS of education and experience--they don't force u to do anything though

eastdurian

@kalanieileen are you Filipina? We lived in Manila for 2 years and DD still calls people ate/kuya. Every time we read "Curious George" she asks for "Kuya George"

blonde_mama

I can totally understand being weary of putting anything into your body right now. I feel the same way. Not everyone is comfortable with vaccines and that's okay! I say do what feels right to you. That's the only decision you'll be able to live with ❤️

mrstrax

Another note to add about the flu shot - even with the (highly) educated guesswork that goes into picking the next year's likely strains, if the makers "miss" and don't get the exact strains, the immunity you get will help with similar strains. Last year my whole family got the flu, not a stomach bug, the flu. DD (then 8 mo) and DH had been vaccinated and I hadn't gotten around to it (never again). They each had a full day of fever/chills and vomiting but bounced back quickly. I had 3-4 days of high fever, chills and vomiting to the point where I really should have gone to the hospital for fluids (dealt with the side effects of dehydration for another week after) and definitely would have had to if I had been pregnant. Talk to your doctor about influenza. It's not a stomach bug it's a virus that hospitalized people with healthy immune systems every year - and no matter how healthy you are, pregnancy suppresses your immune system. You and your baby are more at risk than I was last year, and I can tell you, young, healthy, non-pregnant me wanted to die for 3 days. The risk is definitely not worth avoiding potential minor side effects, of which DD and I have both had none this year.

BrittnyS10

I feel that it is important to get the flu shot. I had the shot last year, unfortunately the vaccine last year was not very effective usually it works better. ( i will say this was the only year that i had both influenza as well as the vaccine) I still ended up getting influenza A last season after spending only an hour around a couple people who were just beginning to feel slight symptoms. (No they were not coughing/sneezing on me, yes i washed my hands, and yes i eat a healthy diet) I was a couple weeks pregnant at the time, and actually didnt know it yet as i had not taken a pregnancy test yet. I ended up misscarrying in the first trimester and wonder every day if my misscarriage was related to having influenza. I know there are so many possible causes for misscarriage but i feel if getting the flu shot can lower my chance of having influenza this year, than that is just one more step i can take to try to keep myself and my baby healthy.

Knottie95545976

I got my flu shot at my appointment last week. I usually don't ever get it, but it's worth it since I'm pregnant. My arm hurt where I got the shot and I had a slight headache for the day, other than that everything was fine.

kalanieileen

eastdurian said:

@kalanieileen are you Filipina? We lived in Manila for 2 years and DD still calls people ate/kuya. Every time we read "Curious George" she asks for "Kuya George"

Awe haha how cute! Yes I am kapampangan and Hawaiian parents born in the PI, I am first generation American

krissstx

I've never gotten the flu shot, and never gotten the flu. I don't plan on getting the shot either. If you don't want it, don't get it. Plain and simple. You're the mom, follow what you feel is best.

DougalMcG

Here come the wackadoodles

Maganda92

Thank you for all the feed back! I'm just one of those people who use natural remedies for everything. I don't even like taking headache medicine. I've never had the flu shot or the flu. Could be luck, or maybe I'm doing something right.

Maganda92

kalanieileen said:

littlesocks said:

kalanieileen said:

mangyaring, tumanggap ng bukana...

Is that English?

Haha no, it is not. Her screen name "maganda" is in tagalog, meaning beautiful. Assuming the OP also understands Tagalog, I simply gave her advice in Tagalog as well: please, get the vaccine.

Lol I'm half Filipino half African American. I understand most Tagalog though. Salamat

mrstrax

Maganda92 said:

Thank you for all the feed back! I'm just one of those people who use natural remedies for everything. I don't even like taking headache medicine. I've never had the flu shot or the flu. Could be luck, or maybe I'm doing something right.

Thanks for being open minded! I think it's great to use natural remedies when possible, but (sometimes unfortunately) it's just not always an option for pregnant women or young children. For example, I love peppermint for generic stomach aches, but it is known to tank the supply of many breastfeeding women - it is sometimes recommended to decrease supply after weaning. All of the things you mentioned earlier are great for helping to avoid less dangerous viruses and infections (and the flu) but I just don't think the risk is worth it when influenza does so much damage.

That said, I have a pre-med background, but I'm not a doctor. They would be the best ones to talk to about the risk-reward ratio of all the shots they recommend during pregnancy (influenza, TDaP (DTaP?) and possibly for Rh factor).