Anyone else NOT getting ANY type of flu shot?

Mrs.Christie

Sorry to bring this topic up again for the umpteenth time, but...

I've already decided against the H1N1 vaccine, but I'm not 100% sure about the regular flu shot. I've never had a flu shot in my life and I've never had the flu. Same with DH and my mom, dad, siblings.

I have a strong immune system and I rarely get sick. Maybe every few years I'll come down with a nasty cold, but that's it. DH is the same way. This was even the case last year when I worked at a germy preschool. Now I don't work and I don't plan on taking the baby out anywhere other than pedi/church/family events for the first two months.

So is it really horrible of me to pass on the flu shot? I'm totally not an anti-vaccine person, but I'd rather not have myself injected with something if it isn't necessary. Anyone else going to skip the flu shot?

Scooter359

I dont think ive gotten a flu shot since it was required of me in HS. I dont see the need for me honestly, its the flu. Ive gotten it, ive gotten over it. I like to think that we dont need as many vaccines as they pump into us and that we can fight off things on our own when given the chance...sometimes anyhow.

goldenleaves

I've never had the flut shot either. I'm still debating. I see my new OB on the 8th, I'll ask her what she thinks.

lefirebug

Me.  I've never gotten it.

erin_aaronsbaby

I'm not planning on it, but I've not had a flu shot since I was in grade school...and I got the flu every time. And I haven't had the flu since I quit getting the shots. *knocks on wood*

littlemaybaby

I'm still debating both shots.  I understand why people choose to get them and why people choose not to get them - and I can't freakin make up my mind.  But no, I don't think you are horrible to pass on either!

goldenleaves

littlemaybaby:

I'm still debating both shots.  I understand why people choose to get them and why people choose not to get them - and I can't freakin make up my mind. 

This exactly.

Sunnie81

lefirebug:

Me.  I've never gotten it.

Same here...unless my doctor  tells me that I absolutely need it.

applejuiceyness

I'm not getting the flu shot.  Never have and never will. 

wnk1029

I'm skipping it.  If I were still teaching in the classroom, I'd probably consider it, but since I'm already doing the "SAH" thing and working on boosting my immune system in other ways (vitamin c, diet, exercise, etc) I don't consider myself a very high risk for getting any type of flu.

Redrose101307

nope, i'm not getting either one

ilenegrace

I've never had a flu shot and I am on disability now for the next 4 months, I figure I will have pretty limited contact with people so I really didn't think it was necessary. My dr offered last appt but I declined.

nealbl

My OB said it was totally my decision and that he understand if I don't want to get it. I haven't had a flu shot in over 10 years and I do not plan on getting H1N1 shot either. I usually get something like the flu every year not to bad of one and I have my whole life. My mom said the flu shot didn't stop it from happening when I was younger so I quit getting them. I am being really careful to stay sanitized and wash my hands and I avoid anyone who is not feeling well. thats all I can do

shelby9201

Not me!  DH & I have never gotten a flu shot and have never come down with the flu.  I spoke with my OB yesterday and she is A-OK with my decision. 

Michele57O

Never had a flu shot and not planning to start now.  B still not sure on the H1N1 because I live in a very small town and someone did actually just die of the swine flu.

HerHighness

Im not

My insurance will pay for shots if you go get them on the date them give you at the place they give you. My date to go is October 3rd. I'll be 39 weeks. I dont think I should get one that late in my pregnancy

smilelari

Keep in mind that the reason they really encourage it for PG women is not just to prevent them from getting the flu - it's also so that they can pass the immunity on to the baby.  I doubt you can predict what sort of immune system your baby will have

Mrs.Christie

smilelari:

I doubt you can predict what sort of immune system your baby will have

Really (and I don't mean it in a snarky way)?

If DH and I have strong immune systems and I plan to BF, then wouldn't it be likely that the baby will have a similar immune system, not as built up yet as ours, but not a weak one? Allergies and sickly baby issues don't seem to run in our immediate family.

MsAlyss

I got the flu shot 11 years ago, and had a really bad reaction to it.  I was sick for weeks.

Won't be getting either.

dmarabia

I will not be getting the H1N1. It freaks me out to be a guinnea pig on such a new vaccine.  I'm not getting the regular flu shot either.  Last winter when I told my GP that we were thinking of TTC he advised that I get the flu shot (I hadn't had one in years and had also not had the flu).  Sure enough, just about a month after I had my flu shot, I got the nastiest flu ever!! 

My OB told me to make a judgement based on my level of exposure - like if I were a teacher or worked with the elderly or in a hospital I should get the shot.  None of that applies to me and I have my own office at work that I can hide away in if others are sick.

whitneyandbrook

I've never had a flu shot, and don't plan on starting now.

SusieQ1982

I've never had a flu shot before... never felt the need to. I am still undecided about this year though.

j*&p*

I have the flu right now so I suppose it won't be so helpful after the fact.  I may do the H1N1 shot when it is released though if my doc thinks it's a good idea. 

mattsbride2006

I am definately getting the shot. I might have a good immune system but my baby does not right out of the womb esp during the winter months and flu season. Babies and the elderly are the most high risk of mortality during flu season. If I get the shot my baby gets the immunity which is important. My OB strongly suggest every one of her pts gets it. I got mine last week.

bracystake

I am undecided as well.  As far as H1N1 being a new shot, every year the flu shot is basically a brand new vaccine because they adjust for what they anticipate the most viral strain will be going around.  Every flu shot therefore is new.  There is always more than just one type of flu bug during the year too.  The bigger concern I have is more of my baby getting the flu after she's born than getting the shot for myself.  Babies can't get a flu shot until they're 6 months or older and my DD is due in November.  Building up her antibodies in the womb is tempting.  I just don't know. 

MsTammy

I never had it and don't plan on starting now.

MrsRipper

I don't trust either of these shots.  I have always felt that they are pushed by big medical companies with an agenda.  Who knows what side effect we might find out they have come 5 years from now, or whatever.