Swine flu vacine

EliseB0323

So from what I've read, the swine flu vaccine will contain thimerosal (mecury). My sister is pregnant and works in a hospital. She's afraid of the vaccine, but also worried because she is at greater risk of getting swine flu (and other forms of the flu.)

If you are pregnant, will you get the vaccine?

EMT

Yeah I heard on NPR yesterday that they are also recommending young kids get 2 doses plus their regular flu vax. I was wondering about the thimerosal.

I'm not sure what i'd do if i were your sister.

hikerbeth

I'm still undecided.  I had a pretty lengthy chat with my OB about it at my appointment last week and she basically said that I should do my own research and make my own decision because nobody really knows much about the vaccine.

Because I am pregnant, I will probably be high on the priority list.  Because my OB is a doctor she will be high on the list as well and she's still not sure that she's going to get it.

So basically, a lot of indecision.

Ciarrai

I will be getting both the swine flu vaccine (assuming I can find it) and the regular flu vaccine.  Almost all flu vaccines have thirmerosal in them from what I understand.  It's such a minute amount and hasn't been shown to have any negative effects.  Also, from what I understand, swine flu can be especially dangerous for PG women and newborns so I figure the benefits out weigh the risks.

ETA - My BFF is a chemist for the FDA working on testing drugs and vaccines.  I generally do whatever she tells me and/or whatever she's going when it comes to vaccines.  She's PG with twins (like 6 weeks ahead of me) and will be getting the swine flu vaccine and is getting it for her 1-year-old.  She tends to be fairly cautious with vaccines without going overboard so I trust her.  She does all the research (and sends it to me) on the vaccines for herself and her DD.

heyitsme

Is there any info about how MUCH Thimerosal is in each dose? Because the California Thimerosal Law (from 2004) bans vaccines for pregnant women and children under 3 that contain anything above a certain level of Thimerosal. I wonder what CA will do??

Here's the law summary:

https://www.cdph.ca.gov/PROGRAMS/IMMUNIZE/Pages/CaliforniaThimerosolLaw.aspx 

mags2041

Pregnant women are at greater risk of dying from the swine flu, so if I were still pg when the vaccine was release I'd definitly get it.  In fact, back in May a pg lady died from the flu at the hospital my brother was at.  It was tragic.  Most vaccines don't have thimerosal in them anymore - what would make you think this one will?

binnyskitch

I am pregnant with twins and due in April...so I will be pregnant during the entire flu season.  Great timing.  I am not planning on getting this shot - I've never even had the regular flu shot. I have an appt with my perinatologist this week, so I'm interested to get her opinion. 

My aunt (and her baby) had severe complications from the flu shot when she got it during early pregnancy.  This was 20 years ago so I'm sure vaccines are different now, but it still concerns me. 

jessicaclare

I cannot give you a source, but I am fairly sure that I read that there will be thimerosal-free version of this vaccine. Its made the same way that the regular flu vaccine is, and there is thimerosal free version of that too, you just have to request it. My clinic offers that version to small children and pregnant women.

Aliliv

People probably consume more mercury from a can of chunk light tuna than from a flu shot.........  The amounts are so tiny, that I'm  not concerned....but, of course, I'm not a Dr., and my knowledge is limited:)