What are your thoughts on flu vaccination?

blessedinthewest

I have only recieved the flu vaccine once because I have heard the the shots contain mercury.  Now it's all over the news the pg women especially should get the regular vaccine plus the two shots for H1N1.  What do you know/think about these vaccinations?

SapphyrEyes

I don't normally get flu shots but I'm making an exception this year.

papagena

Most vaccines no longer have mercury in them (although I don't know about flu vaccines, specifically).  I would definitely do the flu vaccine while you're pg, and the H1N1.  I plan on having DS vax for them as well. 

Hippinski

I think this is a very personal choice and I urge you to talk to your dr AND do some serious research on your own on both sides of the debate.  There are lots of things used in vaccines as preservatives and fillers that people should be aware of. 

I happen to be very allergic to the antibiotic used in all vaccines to keep them safe so I can't have any vaccines on the market at all.

Dobie_Mama

If you want the flu shot, ask your doctor if they carry (or can order) a thimerosol-free one.  I was able to get one when PG.  DD also got one last year (although she still got the flu, but that's an entirely different story).

I don't know enough about the new H1N1 vax to comment. 

Alirebco

I haven't decided yet but here are two links that are specifically about swine flu vaccine. 

Pandemic H1N1 Swine Flu: What About You & Your Family?

Vaccine for swine flu may be unsafe warns WHO

 

MissyOlivePants

never had it, never will & neither will DD or any other subsequent children that should appear.  It's really a guess as to what strain of the virus will be around and I just don't care to inject myself or child with that sort of deal.

Dobie_Mama

Alirebco:

I haven't decided yet but here are two links that are specifically about swine flu vaccine. 

Pandemic H1N1 Swine Flu: What About You & Your Family?

Vaccine for swine flu may be unsafe warns WHO

 

Thanks for the links.  I admittedly haven't done any research on the H1N1 vax but maybe now I can get started.

With the way the last "swine flu" vax played out in the 70's, I've been a little apprehensive. 

Hippinski

Oh...and the Swine Flu vaccine is way too new for me to even think about giving it to my family.  I would need serious research with long term side effects before I'm putting any medication into my kids.

suzymarie

Oh...and the Swine Flu vaccine is way too new for me to even think about giving it to my family.  I would need serious research with long term side effects before I'm putting any medication into my kids.

 

That is what freaks me out Hippy.  But at the same time, pg women are 4x more likely to have to be hospitalized for swine flu than others.  So I am freaked out both dierections.

I am hoping there is enough of a supply that I don't have to rush out and get it right away, or risk missing it.  I would rather wait a few months and see how bad the outbreak really is/isn't.

kmgourley

suzymarie:

Oh...and the Swine Flu vaccine is way too new for me to even think about giving it to my family.  I would need serious research with long term side effects before I'm putting any medication into my kids.

 

That is what freaks me out Hippy.  But at the same time, pg women are 4x more likely to have to be hospitalized for swine flu than others.  So I am freaked out both dierections.

I am hoping there is enough of a supply that I don't have to rush out and get it right away, or risk missing it.  I would rather wait a few months and see how bad the outbreak really is/isn't.

My thoughts exactly.  If nothing changes with the swine flu as it is right now, I will not get the vaccine.  But... no one can predict the future.  So, I don't know.  I have mixed feelings.  I didn't get the regular flu shot last time I was pregnant and I won't this time, and neither will Seth or any future kids.

Hippinski

The thing is that there are some pretty easy, common sense things you can do to avoid the Swine Flu, or any flu for that matter.  Washing your hands, using sanitizer when needed and being mindful of what's going on around you can make a huge difference.  So to me it's about taking precautions but not going crazy.  KWIM?

I would hate to give my kids a vaccine and find out 5, 10 or 20 years from now that it was actually more dangerous to them then the actual disease that the vaccine was trying to prevent.  

Mystery2B

I always get the flu vaccine and will be getting it this year while pregnant.

Regarding H1N1, I'll need to do some research and talk with my OBGYN - I am for vaccinations but thus far it seems like the current "swine flu" has been overblown with media stirring the pot to create hysteria. 

Poonico

Basically, I don't get (or give) any vaccines that I don't think are necessary.  I've had it one time in my life (while pregnant mind you).  It's not fun, it's awful and miserable, but I'm okay with the small risk I have of getting it.

OneSimpleMom

I think that a lot of people make a lot of money on flu vaccines. I won't be getting or giving it. 

Sunny1inTucson

I usually get the flu vaccine, and DH and I both were sure to get it while I was pregnant (pregnant and due in flu season 2008).

If I were going to be pregnant around the next flu season, I would have to do more research about the H1N1 "swine flu" vaccine. I don't know enough about it. I know pregnant women are most likely to die from swine flu according to new reports. But I would need to research it more before getting the vaccine.

Laroogirl

Working in a hospital caring for multiple flu/pneumonia patients every year, I have gotten the flu vaccine for the last 5 years.  No problems and no flu.  With my increased exposure and direct contact I opt for the protection.  DH and DS also receieved it last year for the same reason.  I am not sure on the H1N1 vaccine.  We have had a few cases in the area and one local death so I will do more research and speak with the pedi.