Flu Shot? What are you going to do?

ourkybaby

Are you guys getting it, if so when or have you already?

My OBGYN made me an appointment for tomorrow.  I used to get flu shots off and on in the past.  If I wasn't going to be flying on the 19th and then again over Thanksgiving, I'd probably wait another few weeks.

I assume it's safe, but it worries me at the same time and of course the H1N1 shots aren't available yet.

I'm just over 6 weeks along.

JMH_squared

I'm anxious to talk to my OB about this.. I've never gotten one in the past and everyone is advertising them around here! The Cleveland Clinic and DH's work are offering them for free... I'm curious to see what the consensus is. My appointment isn't until 10-16.

strawbrrysmile05

I have never had flu shots in the past, so I don't want one now. Plus, I'm not comfortable with how fast the H1N1 vacc. came out and how little testing there really is. I don't want either one. DH on the other hand is insisting that I need to get both since I work 3 mornings a week in a school. I just don't see the point since I have no idea how it will affect my body. When I met with my doc she said since I'd never had it, its alright that I don't get it now. If DH keeps insisting, I'll bring it up at my 11 week appointment on Nov. 3rd since he'll be there.

Scout05

Saw the dr. yesterday for a quick chat - he was very insistent that I get a flu shot, now, so I can get the H1N1 when it becomes available (never knew this, but they want you to wait 30 days between vaccines).

His exact words: "The benefits far, far outweigh the risks." He also said the earlier, the better, fwiw.

I work at a college campus, so that may have added to his concern. It's just a big ol' germ pool here. I guess I'm going to take his advice.

 

 

Kerianne1176

Not doing it JMH.  Everyone needs to make a decision based on their own feelings but I am definitely saying no. I never get the flu or sick anyway and I just don't trust vaccines that are not completely necessary. Good luck!

mjpancho

I got my regular flu shot 2 weeks ago and I will also be getting my Piggy Flu shot, too.  I asked 5 OBs, my PCP, and my friend who is a pharmacist (I work in a hospital and will be exposed to sick patients on a daily basis) and ALL of them encourage me to get the H1N1 flu shot when it's available because Preggies are on the high risk spectrum of the Piggy Flu!

I'd get it if I were you - to protect you and your baby!

ourkybaby

They told me to come in and have one but I'm just really nervous about it.

It's like if you do or if you don't you could be subjecting the baby to bad stuff....why can't some things just be simple.

butterbeansmama

I am getting the regular flu and the H1N1 flu shot.

BaileyDoodle2010

I got the flu shot today at my 1st drs visit.  The doc highly recommended it.  I am a nanny for 2 kids who always seem to be sick, so I was going to get it anyways.....

 

baileebou

my dr said to wait until I'm out of the first trimester

jenkm

I got my flu shot last week at about 10 weeks.  I'll get the H1N1 shot as soon as it's available.

Any second guessing I may have had was wiped out when I read about th otherwise healthy pregnant woman in Columbus OH who died of H1N1 a few weeks ago.  I'll take my chances with the vaccine given my pregnancy-induced compromised immune system.

bobbidall

I'm getting both.  They make the H1N1 the same way they make the seasonal flu shot, which has been fine for pregnant women to get.  My doctor suggested to wait until I'm out of the 1st tri though.  What did it for me is my DH works in the medical field and he heard about 2 pregnant women in a coma having their babies via c-section then dying a couple hours later.

A_seattle

I will discuss with my OB at my appt this Friday. But I am thinking I will likely get both. The swine flu vax has been made the same way as the reg flu shot from what I understand. I am not comfortable with the risks for pg women and don't want to live my pregnancy in fear.

fwiw - I never get the flu and have only had the flu shot one other time in my life - when I was pg with DD.

naylon511

Have gotten the flu shot every year for the past 4 years or so.  H is a Doctor and feels strongly that I get it while pregnant - - almost especially b/c I'm pregnant.

2bamom

I got mine yesterday at my 1st appt -- I got the thiomersal/mercury free vaccine.  Will get H1N1 vaccine when it is available.  Is there a (very small) risk, sure -- anything we do medically has some risk associated with.  Would I be taking a risk by not getting the vaccine -- yes.  I decided that for me the risk of not getting the vaccine was bigger -- and so I got vaccinated. 

CoastieWife08

ambrandau2:

Saw the dr. yesterday for a quick chat - he was very insistent that I get a flu shot, now, so I can get the H1N1 when it becomes available (never knew this, but they want you to wait 30 days between vaccines).

 

Actually, the CDC does not say you have to wait.  You can receive both doses at the same time, if you have to.

https://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/public/vaccination_qa_pub.htm

 Can the seasonal vaccine and the 2009 H1N1 vaccine be given at the same time?

It is anticipated that seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 vaccines may be administered on the same day. However, we expect the seasonal vaccine to be available earlier than the H1N1 vaccine. The usual seasonal influenza viruses are still expected to cause illness this fall and winter. Individuals are encouraged to get their seasonal flu vaccine as soon as it is available.

As for the OT, I haven't decided yet.  My first appointment isn't until the 13th, and I will discuss it with my OB and MW at that point.

Scout05

CoastieWife08:

ambrandau2:

Saw the dr. yesterday for a quick chat - he was very insistent that I get a flu shot, now, so I can get the H1N1 when it becomes available (never knew this, but they want you to wait 30 days between vaccines).

 

Actually, the CDC does not say you have to wait.  You can receive both doses at the same time, if you have to.

https://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/public/vaccination_qa_pub.htm

 Can the seasonal vaccine and the 2009 H1N1 vaccine be given at the same time?

It is anticipated that seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 vaccines may be administered on the same day. However, we expect the seasonal vaccine to be available earlier than the H1N1 vaccine. The usual seasonal influenza viruses are still expected to cause illness this fall and winter. Individuals are encouraged to get their seasonal flu vaccine as soon as it is available.

As for the OT, I haven't decided yet.  My first appointment isn't until the 13th, and I will discuss it with my OB and MW at that point.

Innnnteresting. Thanks! I wonder if its just a precaution? In case of reactions? Hmmm....

gypsywitch

ITs safe, no need to worry about it. I plan on getting both shots.

tdoe62773

I got my seasonal flu shot yesterday and will get H1N1 in Oct from OBGYN.

 It's very important that you get it when you are pregnant...it helps you and the baby.  

I got it for my last pregnancy also.  I believe it's more dangerous to NOT get it. 

futureevans

I know Im getting the regular one.  Going to see what the dr says about the H1N1.

Annoyed Bridesmaid (and Former Bride)

My doctor strongly recommended getting the regular flu shot and NOT waiting until the 2nd trimester.  She didn't have an opinion when it came to mercury-free or not.  I'd prefer the mercury-free, but I'm having a hard time finding it!

AJflowers

I'm getting the seasonal after I'm 13 weeks...according the the nurse at my OB/GYN's office.  But, I see him at exactly 13 weeks, so I'm going to double check, and then ask what he thinks about the H1N1.

ktsnshn

My Dr. strongly advised me to get both shots and that is what I intend to do.

ivyreb

My OB office made me get one, and says I'll get the H1N1 when it's available next month. I've never had a flu shot before, but I'm happy I got this one.

daisyterp

My old OB recc'd I get the seasonal flu shot when I was PG w/ DD and I did- however- my OB didn't give the shots- he said the practice didn't- for liability reasons I am sure.  I was annoyed that I ended up getting a version of the shot that had mercury in it.

I took DD to her doctor last Monday and her doc is due in March. I asked her what she was doing and she told me she was waiting until she was 17 wks to get the seasonal flu shot and that she wasn't sure about the H1N1.  She said she wouldn't get either if she was only in her first tri. 

The thing w/ both flu shots (seasonal & H1N1) is neither is guaranteed to be effective against the most active strains of the flu(s.)  The vaccines only have a few strains in them that are vaccine developers predictions of what may be the most active/strong strains.  Some years the developers are right, other years not so much and the vax are only 20-30% effective.

If I can find a place that will give me the mercury free version of either vaccine in my 2nd (16/17 wk mark) tri I will consider it, but I am not getting either during my first tri and I will not get a version of either vaccine w/ mercury in it.

chris27

I got the seasonal flu shot about 3 weeks ago and I am getting the H1N1 on the 20th unless something changes with OBs scheduled arrival of vaccine on the 15th.

ivyreb

My OB office made me get one, and says I'll get the H1N1 when it's available next month. I've never had a flu shot before, but I'm happy I got this one.

nestinginjapan

my doctor talked to me about it yesterday and advised I get one -- she said the normal one has a little mercury in it, but the one for pregnant women doesn't so I feel fine taking it. My doctor's office should be getting them in october some time.