Flu Shot--Yes or No?

maginell

Hello Ladies (and Gentlemen),

I need advice.  I'm starting to get paranoid about this Flu pandemic which seems to brewing across much of the country--including here in greater Chicagoland. I am a secondary teacher, spending my mornings at a high school with an open-concept layout and my afternoons at a middle school.  

I'm 11 weeks today, with my first child, and I'm really nervous about getting a flu shot.  Everything I'm seeing recommends the vaccination for ALL pregnant women, as the consequences of contracting the flu can be catastrophic--for mother and baby.  Still, I worry about the potential reactions, high fever, etc. which may come as a side effect.   I've never had a flu shot before, so I don't know how my body will react.

 So, advice?  Yes or No?  Did you get one?  Are you planning on it?  Thanks! 

TurtleMomma

My advice? RUN. You just opened up a can of worms that has been festering all day.

megaboosmom

Yes. Yes. Yes.

tokenhoser

Yes, I got one. I get one every year since I got the flu. It was no joke, and I wouldn't want to face it as a pregnant woman.

AmeliaKris

We had to for work. I got mine pre baby though. No side effects for me.

MommyAmes2

We are a no flu shot family.

SwittyMcGee

Yes, I got one. Yes, you should get one too. It's not a guarantee that you won't get sick--but combined with good hygiene, it's the best way to protect yourself.

I had no side effects other than some local soreness where I got the shot. Request the preservative-free vaccine. 

MrsSteSte

I got one in the fall. But yes, if I were you I'd get one. Without hesitation. And sooner rather than later.

baker916

Get the shot.  Just don't get the nasal mist version.  You'll be fine.  If you start to get any fever (which I never have in at least 6 years of the flu shot), take some Tylenol.  I got mine back in September, but I wouldn't hesitate to get one now if I hadn't done it before. 

Alex+Noah

I have never gotten the flu shot or the flu before, but now that my immune system is not as strong because of baby, I signed up for the shot as soon as I got over the cold one of my  kindergarten students gave me. I heard that if you get the fu while pregnant it can be very harmful to baby. If you work in a school I would definitely get it. 

maginell

Thanks, Everyone!

 I have a call into my midwife, but I'm still waiting to hear back.

 I try to make it through life with as few medicinal and medical interventions as possible, so I've just been apprehensive.  I think, with my midwife's approval, I'll probably risk it.  It's likely a much smaller risk than playing roulette at school everyday! 

kahlan82

I get one every year because I am a teacher.  Never had any side effects.  My midwife was adamant about me getting one. I did and felt fine.

Enjeneer

Yes get one, especially because you will be exposed around so many kids who could get it. But wait til 2nd trimester

brockerln

Im sure your midwife/ doctor will recommend it. Just make sure they give you the shot without the mercury. I got mine at walgreens over a month ago and the pharmacist informed me they give pregnant women the kind without mercury, which they were running out of, so it was a good thing i got there when i did.

gscoville

kahlan82:

I get one every year because I am a teacher.  Never had any side effects.  My midwife was adamant about me getting one. I did and felt fine.

This, I've been taking them ever since I started teaching 15 years ago and have never regretted it.  I've also never had a bad flu, which I can't say for my family and friends around me who don't get their shots.  I've had the occasional 'light' flu-like illness, but nothing horrendous, and I'm convinced it's because of that flu shot.

Sascha3

I have never had one until I was pregnant last year.  I know it does not give you the flu, it is scientifically impossible blablabla, but I did have a reaction.  Within 3-4 hours I had a 102 fever and the worst body aches I have ever had in my life. It was literally painful.  I missed 3 days of work.  I also got sick 4 times this year with a fever.

That being said, my daughter is now one and just recently had her first mild cold.  She is extremely healthy and I think maybe the immunity helped her avoid getting sick each time I had a fever.  So I will get the flu shot again for this pregnancy.  I just will not do it in future years.

maginell

My midwife just called back. She said to DEFINITELY get one, but to wait one more week, so I'm in my second trimester--which I thought came a bit later, but I'll go with it...

CitrusSwallowtail

Yessssssssssss!

Soleil3

It's a personal decision. I don't think I'm going to, I'm not exposed to much, and it takes 6 weeks to work; there is only 8 weeks left to the season. 

ETA- I'm not worried about side effects or the baby, they've said it's safe even in the first trimester so I believe them. 

schrodie2

From what I know, the flu shot is an inactive virus and won't harm the Mom or the baby. It was mandatory that we got one every year while I was in the Navy even if you were pregnant.
I had my first ob appt yesterday and he said most def get the shot. Everyone else in the house has been vaccinated so I will be vaccinated this weekend.

senseisosa

As a high school teacher, a flu shot is a must, so I got mine in October.  

Definitely get one...the flu shot doesn't make you sick. 

aessary03

Is it necessary to keep rehashing the flu shot debate? This is almost a daily thing now. Please look at other threads posted previously. Sorry if that sounds bchy but I'm so tired of seeing the same questions every day.

boymamaco

aessary03:

Is it necessary to keep rehashing the flu shot debate? This is almost a daily thing now. Please look at other threads posted previously. Sorry if that sounds bchy but I'm so tired of seeing the same questions every day.

Then why open the thread at all if it seems to be a repeat? Its a public forum, people can post what they want. Some of us, myself included, can't come on that frequently. I appreciate seeing threads like this. My time is limited and I'm not going to go search through the past pages to look for a topic.
I don't get the sentiment that people shouldnt discuss what's already been posted. Just be selective in which threads you open.
JMO

katiedid0907

Yes, get one. It's safe in pregnancy and getting the flu is not worth the risk to you, your baby, or anyone around you.

katiedid0907

Soleil3:

It's a personal decision. I don't think I'm going to, I'm not exposed to much, and it takes 6 weeks to work; there is only 8 weeks left to the season. 

ETA- I'm not worried about side effects or the baby, they've said it's safe even in the first trimester so I believe them. 

 

Actually the flu shot takes about 2 weeks for your body to build immunity to the virus

WashingtonQueen

maginell:

Hello Ladies (and Gentlemen)

Wait, hold the phone! What gentlemen?? Did I miss something?

aessary03

lucyspeople:

aessary03:

Is it necessary to keep rehashing the flu shot debate? This is almost a daily thing now. Please look at other threads posted previously. Sorry if that sounds bchy but I'm so tired of seeing the same questions every day.

Then why open the thread at all if it seems to be a repeat? Its a public forum, people can post what they want. Some of us, myself included, can't come on that frequently. I appreciate seeing threads like this. My time is limited and I'm not going to go search through the past pages to look for a topic. I don't get the sentiment that people shouldnt discuss what's already been posted. Just be selective in which threads you open. JMO

 

That's right. It's a public forum. You got to state your opinion just as I get to state mine. When almost every thread is a redundancy, it's hard not to open them and get annoyed reading the same thing day after day. If you like it, good for you. I doubt I'm the only one annoyed by all the redundancy.

JoySeattle

I got a preservative free one prior to pregnancy. Best of luck in your decision-making!

caramia582

I did lots of research on the subject, and in the end decided I was more concerned about getting the flu while pregnant than getting the shot.  I got it earlier this week.

brown214

I got the preservative free on around 5 weeks and had no reaction. I was 8 weeks at my first visit with OB and they would have given me one right then had I not gotten mine already!

AlexKate45

I got it at 4 weeks pregnant.  DS and DH got one too.  For me, the risks of flu with fever were greater than the shot itself. 

RivieraBound

aessary03:

Is it necessary to keep rehashing the flu shot debate? This is almost a daily thing now. Please look at other threads posted previously. Sorry if that sounds bchy but I'm so tired of seeing the same questions every day.

Seriously, so sick of this debate.

EJPint

My OB recommended it, so I got one yesterday.  

rissa06

i have never gotten the flu shot and I was pg with DD in the winter months, DS during the swine flu epidemic.  My doctor says that although she recommends I get the flu shot, she also knows it is something that I normally don't do.  I have allergies to some vaccinations and I'm not a big believer in the flu shot.  

With that said, like the swine flu epidemic, Again I am considering it.  I all ready know how my doctor feels.  My husband has the flu shot, because he has lung issues, DD & DS get the flu shot, because I am required by law.    

This is a personal decision and it is completely up to you.  Do not do something that you are uncomfortable with.  

 Additionally, there are side effects with any vaccinations.  CDC claims the flu shot is safe for pg women. 

boymamaco

aessary03:

lucyspeople:

aessary03:

Is it necessary to keep rehashing the flu shot debate? This is almost a daily thing now. Please look at other threads posted previously. Sorry if that sounds bchy but I'm so tired of seeing the same questions every day.

Then why open the thread at all if it seems to be a repeat? Its a public forum, people can post what they want. Some of us, myself included, can't come on that frequently. I appreciate seeing threads like this. My time is limited and I'm not going to go search through the past pages to look for a topic. I don't get the sentiment that people shouldnt discuss what's already been posted. Just be selective in which threads you open. JMO

 

That's right. It's a public forum. You got to state your opinion just as I get to state mine. When almost every thread is a redundancy, it's hard not to open them and get annoyed reading the same thing day after day. If you like it, good for you. I doubt I'm the only one annoyed by all the redundancy.

No, I dont think you are the only one annoyed by the redundancy.  I've seen lots of posters mention it, and even specific threads about it. I usually take my own advice, and just ignore, but its rubs me the wrong way that someone would be told what they can/can't post. Of course, we can both have our opinions.

caramia582

lucyspeople:

aessary03:

lucyspeople:

aessary03:

Is it necessary to keep rehashing the flu shot debate? This is almost a daily thing now. Please look at other threads posted previously. Sorry if that sounds bchy but I'm so tired of seeing the same questions every day.

Then why open the thread at all if it seems to be a repeat? Its a public forum, people can post what they want. Some of us, myself included, can't come on that frequently. I appreciate seeing threads like this. My time is limited and I'm not going to go search through the past pages to look for a topic. I don't get the sentiment that people shouldnt discuss what's already been posted. Just be selective in which threads you open. JMO

 

That's right. It's a public forum. You got to state your opinion just as I get to state mine. When almost every thread is a redundancy, it's hard not to open them and get annoyed reading the same thing day after day. If you like it, good for you. I doubt I'm the only one annoyed by all the redundancy.

No, I dont think you are the only one annoyed by the redundancy.  I've seen lots of posters mention it, and even specific threads about it. I usually take my own advice, and just ignore, but its rubs me the wrong way that someone would be told what they can/can't post. Of course, we can both have our opinions.

Let's be honest, many threads on this and the the First Tri boards are redundant.  I barely go on First Tri anymore for that reason... 

LeslieMorrison05

I've never gotten a flu shot and would prefer not getting one, but after talking to my doc yesterday... She highly recommended it. She said this year is a bad flu season and it's important to protect yourself the best you can (even though it's about a 50/50 chance of still getting it after the flu shot). She said that studies have shown that it actually also helps protect the baby AFTER the baby is born. I'm 10 weeks and she told me to wait another two weeks to actually get the shot, so that I will be in the second trimester. She's pregnant and said that's what she did. I am going to follow her advise

LeslieMorrison05

What is the difference between flu shots (preservative free)? Can you get a preservative free one anywhere? Never heard of it...?

Colgate1

I have been agonizing over it every minute for a week.  My OB said it was virtually necessary, but the virtually part got me thinking and I was very uncomfortable about it after reading about possible reactions or harm to the fetus.  I have never had a flu shot, never had the flu.  I am 10 weeks and 2 days, and I'm flipping out about it.  So far the best advice I got was to get the preservative free one, which is sort of a compromise between the risks from the shot and the risks from the flu.  I am considering getting the preservative free intradermal one (smaller needle) tomorrow but the first trimester thing is throwing me off too.  What evidence is there that first trimester vs second trimester makes a difference?  I feel like if I wait two more weeks till 2nd trimester, and then it takes 2 weeks to work, flu season will almost be over by then (or at least the really bad part of it) and it would be pointless.  What do you all think about the trimester issue?  

Colgate1

The preservative free one has a much smaller quantity of preservatives and mercury.  I believe they all still have trace amounts, but it doesnt have a significant amount like the regular one.  People opt for the preservative free one because of the controversy over Mercury causing autism, and other preservatives causing possible problems in the fetus. You can't find them anywhere.  In NY the Passport Health Centers carry them, and some pharmacies.  I found a Rite Aid on Long Island that carries it too.  Many do, you just have to call.