If you are not getting the flu shot...like we need another one of these posts..

moosemax · September 2010

If you aren't getting the flu shot and it is because you haven't gotten the flu in forever...I have a question for you.

What about the baby that you are going to have?? Babies immune systems aren't as good as you and your DH. Are you just going to keep them home until March?? Not to mention, pregnant women have a greater risk for catching a more severe case of the flu.

I am not trying to be snarky, I just really want to know.

mkeatts · September 2010

~*Sarah*~ · September 2010

also your immunities protect the baby for the first few months of their life. so if you did get the shot the baby would be protected as well. thats how i understand it at least.

moosemax · September 2010

~*Sarah*~:
also your immunities protect the baby for the first few months of their life. so if you did get the shot the baby would be protected as well. thats how i understand it at least.

This is correct. OB said this when I got mine on Thursday.

insertclevername · September 2010

I have never had the flu vaccine, until yesterday. I realize that it is not just about me anymore and I have a baby to think about. If I got sick I could put the baby at risk. Plus now that I have gotten the flu shot, once baby is born I can pass the antibodies through the breast milk to help strengthen LOs immunities.

I have to say though that since I have never had the flu shot it really hit me hard. I had a fever, whole body ache, diarrhea and a massive headache last night. I even had to take Tylenol for the first time this pregnancy.

J+MS · September 2010

See I'm undecided on this. I never get the flu...so I've never gotten the flu shot. I'm afraid that if I go ahead and get one this year, then this will be the year I get the flu...

MJHershey · September 2010

This is why I got mine this year even thought I have not in the past. I had a cold for 2.5 weeks and that sucked enough I am not playing with the flu.

Plus, this protects against H1N1.

neferhathor · September 2010

I've only gotten the flu once in my life and I haven't gotten the shot since high school. Normally I would not get it, but since LO will be here I'm definitely getting one.

designermusings · September 2010

I had the flu once. 2006. It lasted 12 weeks. I was in and out of the hospital. I am a healthy person and I never ever thought I could get it. But once you do...you understand. I'd rather deal with the shot side effects than be sick like that ever again.

girgirgir · September 2010

designermusings:
I had the flu once. 2006. It lasted 12 weeks. I was in and out of the hospital. I am a healthy person and I never ever thought I could get it. But once you do...you understand. I'd rather deal with the shot side effects than be sick like that ever again.

Yeah, the potential side effects from the vaccine are a mere shadow of the real thing. Flu is not something to mess around with.

moosemax · September 2010

designermusings:
I had the flu once. 2006. It lasted 12 weeks. I was in and out of the hospital. I am a healthy person and I never ever thought I could get it. But once you do...you understand. I'd rather deal with the shot side effects than be sick like that ever again.

DH was hopsitalized with it a few years ago. It was awful...and I wasn't the sick one.

And really, if you get a little sick from the shot - even though I am a firm believer that you can't get sick from it - you will be less sick than what could happen. With no shot, it could land you (or baby) in the hospital - like desinger.

CinemaGoddess · September 2010

The flu shot is a way for the government to gain control of your thoughts by forcing small robots into your blood stream that will automatically find the thought neurons in your brain.

That is all.

Stick out tongue

Mjmksb04 · September 2010

Listen, you may not be trying to be snarky, but you are. I have never had a flu shot (except the H1N1 last fall), didn't have one when I was PG with DS during flu season and I won't this time either. I am not concerned about it.

hermione76 · September 2010

cinema_goddess:
The flu shot is a way for the government to gain control of your thoughts by forcing small robots into your blood stream that will automatically find the thought neurons in your brain.
That is all.

Lol !

jamiemsmith · September 2010

cinema_goddess:
The flu shot is a way for the government to gain control of your thoughts by forcing small robots into your blood stream that will automatically find the thought neurons in your brain.
That is all.

So do I put mine on now?!?! LOL!!

moosemax · September 2010

Mjmksb04:
Listen, you may not be trying to be snarky, but you are. I have never had a flu shot (except the H1N1 last fall), didn't have one when I was PG with DS during flu season and I won't this time either. I am not concerned about it.

If I came across as snarky, I apologize. I wasn't trying to be. I truly want to know. It was just a question.

welcel · September 2010

I do vaccinate DD, but there is a large risk involved when I do. Because she has a severe egg allergy, she could get incredibly sick from the vaccine. Every year she has gotten one, she has been lucky and has had a mild reaction if any. However, every year the flu shot is made differently so every year we run the risk with her allergy. I still chose to, because the allergy is treatable. We have to spend the entire day in the allergists office after her shot to make sure she does not have a reaction. It is a giant pain in the a$$, but it's worth it to me for piece of mind. Last year when her entire day care was struck with H1N1, she was the only kiddo that did not get the flu. I am always vaccinated. With my husband, his egg allergy is so severe that his allergist has decided yearly that he should not get one (based on peoples reactions to the particular vaccine being used and the amount of egg in the vaccine). He will try again this year, but may not be vaccinated due to the allergy. I think it's something people should get with an infant or small child, unless the cons truly out weigh the benefits...

J+MS · September 2010

cinema_goddess:
The flu shot is a way for the government to gain control of your thoughts by forcing small robots into your blood stream that will automatically find the thought neurons in your brain.

That is all.

THE NANOMACHINES!!!!

hermione76 · September 2010

heckysue:
Mjmksb04:
Listen, you may not be trying to be snarky, but you are. I have never had a flu shot (except the H1N1 last fall), didn't have one when I was PG with DS during flu season and I won't this time either. I am not concerned about it.
I don't think she was snarky...I think her point is, if you're not concerned, why? It's an honest question. I assume you have a reason. To be unconcerned because you have made an informed decision not to get the flu shot could make perfect sense for you, and the OP is just asking about the other side of the argument.

I agree. I am having trouble making up my mind , and I was not offended by her post. I posted to get everyone opinions and I have been reading and doing my own research . I will also talk to my doctor today during my appt. I have thought about LO getting the antibodies and that is something that is making me want to get it.

moosemax · September 2010

welcel:

I do vaccinate DD, but there is a large risk involved when I do. Because she has a severe egg allergy, she could get incredibly sick from the vaccine. Every year she has gotten one, she has been lucky and has had a mild reaction if any. However, every year the flu shot is made differently so every year we run the risk with her allergy. I still chose to, because the allergy is treatable. We have to spend the entire day in the allergists office after her shot to make sure she does not have a reaction. It is a giant pain in the a$$, but it's worth it to me for piece of mind. Last year when her entire day care was struck with H1N1, she was the only kiddo that did not get the flu. I am always vaccinated. With my husband, his egg allergy is so severe that his allergist has decided yearly that he should not get one (based on peoples reactions to the particular vaccine being used and the amount of egg in the vaccine). He will try again this year, but may not be vaccinated due to the allergy. I think it's something people should get with an infant or small child, unless the cons truly out weigh the benefits...

In a case like this, I understand. If DS, DH or even myself had some type of allergy that made us react to it, of course, we would have to think about it more. An egg allergy sounds awful...

I was more less asking why people wouldn't get one, just because they haven't gotten the flu before or in years. Not because of a certain circumstance.

aleana18 · September 2010

The only reason I got the flu shot was for my baby girl. I don't remember the last time I had one, but this year I did just to help protect her.

1BabyFritsch · September 2010

I am not getting a flu shot for many reasons. Two being

1. I have always had VERY bad reactions to the shot.

2. Being in the health care feild myself and seeing many many sick people every day and being in contact with them and never having gotten the flu I really think the flu shot is pointless, at least for me. I am just not a sickly person.

Also, I will not be vaccinating LO. Well we may end up vaccinating LO once he goes to school but not before then. because

1. I am afraid he will have a bad reaction like I do

2. He will not be in any kind of day care he will be home with me or DH

monkeyqueen · September 2010

Something to think about (according to our Public Health Nurse and the info. they get): something like 50 - 60% of the population (in a given area)need to be vaccinated in order to help stop the spread of the flu. If this many people get vaccinated, it helps to protect the more vulnerable members of our society (eldery, babies, immunocompromised people, those who cannot be vaccinated). I'm not sure of the exact percentage, though - it's been a year since I was told the info....but, if someone knows the exact percentage I'd love to hear it!!! I guess this is unrelated to the post.... sorry! And, yet I'm still going to click on post....

QueenBee320 · September 2010

J+MS:
See I'm undecided on this. I never get the flu...so I've never gotten the flu shot. I'm afraid that if I go ahead and get one this year, then this will be the year I get the flu...

Me too! I didn't get a flu shot with DD#1 or ever for that matter and had no problems with her or me getting sick and she was born at the end of Sept. I also don't get her flu shots and she has still yet to get more then a cold. She was EBFed (not sure if that made a difference, I'd like to think it did.) I'm not anti-vaccine she's had everything else according to the regular vaccine schedule, even the H1N1.

Angel002 · September 2010

It's just a personal decision my husband and I made. I have never gotten the shot for my DS and he hasn't gotten the flu. BUt that's not the reason.

I just personally don't think adding chemicals to my body (and baby) is a good thing. I know others think totally different but that's just how I feel right now. It's just one more thing to pump us full of chemicals.

My dr hasn't brought it up (plus I live in Houston, we get like 3 cold days a year) and if he does I'll still discuss it with him but I don't think he'll push it on me (my coworker's dr did last year and she had to go to the hospital - it made her old asthma flare up during the last month of pregnancy).

I do plan on washing hands, keeping clean, taking vitamins and trying to eat healthier (cause I know the greasy food I love lowers your immune system).

I totally understand those that get the shot, it's just at this moment I don't feel confident doing so. But nothing says I won't change my mind

one_more_girl · September 2010

I hurried to get mine so that I would have it on board before having DD. I wanted her to benefit from it as much as she could getting the immunities, now she can also get them from BF as well. Do it for your baby. It doesn't make sense to not get it because you "never get the flu", if you happen to get the flu, inside baby or out this year it's going to affect your LO.

mavs_girl07 · September 2010

1BabyFritsch:

I am not getting a flu shot for many reasons. Two being

1. I have always had VERY bad reactions to the shot.

2. Being in the health care feild myself and seeing many many sick people every day and being in contact with them and never having gotten the flu I really think the flu shot is pointless, at least for me. I am just not a sickly person.

Also, I will not be vaccinating LO. Well we may end up vaccinating LO once he goes to school but not before then. because

1. I am afraid he will have a bad reaction like I do

2. He will not be in any kind of day care he will be home with me or DH

You won't be vaccinating him at all? Or just against the flu?

1BabyFritsch · September 2010

sylwill:
1BabyFritsch:

Also, I will not be vaccinating LO. Well we may end up vaccinating LO once he goes to school but not before then. because

1. I am afraid he will have a bad reaction like I do

2. He will not be in any kind of day care he will be home with me or DH

and you'll never take him anywhere in public? Or have people visiting you ever?

We will take him in public but not for the first month or so and I usually dont let random people in public places touch my child.... and the people who do visit will be close friends or family who will be asked to wash there hands or use hand sanitizer before holding LO. An since good handwashing is the best way to prevent the spread of any kind of sickness I am confidant in the fact that LO will be just as protected as with the shot. Plus some people in our family do CHOOSE to get the flu shot. Actually DH maybe getting it he is still undecided

1BabyFritsch · September 2010

mavs_girl07:
1BabyFritsch:

I am not getting a flu shot for many reasons. Two being

1. I have always had VERY bad reactions to the shot.

2. Being in the health care feild myself and seeing many many sick people every day and being in contact with them and never having gotten the flu I really think the flu shot is pointless, at least for me. I am just not a sickly person.

Also, I will not be vaccinating LO. Well we may end up vaccinating LO once he goes to school but not before then. because

1. I am afraid he will have a bad reaction like I do

2. He will not be in any kind of day care he will be home with me or DH

You won't be vaccinating him at all? Or just against the flu?

Just against the Flu

1BabyFritsch · September 2010

mavs_girl07:
1BabyFritsch:

I am not getting a flu shot for many reasons. Two being

1. I have always had VERY bad reactions to the shot.

2. Being in the health care feild myself and seeing many many sick people every day and being in contact with them and never having gotten the flu I really think the flu shot is pointless, at least for me. I am just not a sickly person.

Also, I will not be vaccinating LO. Well we may end up vaccinating LO once he goes to school but not before then. because

1. I am afraid he will have a bad reaction like I do

2. He will not be in any kind of day care he will be home with me or DH

You won't be vaccinating him at all? Or just against the flu?

Just against the Flu

Mjmksb04 · September 2010

Maybe I read it wrong and if so, I apologize. I felt like the question of "so, do you not ever plan on taking your baby anywhere?" put me on the defense. Anyway, I don't scientific studies to back up why I don't do a flu shot, I just don't. The shot only protects certain strains of the flu and anecdotally I know many people (my MIL, SIL, niece, nephew, etc.) who get the flu shot and still end up sick every year. I know that isn't solid evidence or anything, so don't quote me on it Stick out tongue

KMS416 · September 2010

J+MS:
See I'm undecided on this. I never get the flu...so I've never gotten the flu shot. I'm afraid that if I go ahead and get one this year, then this will be the year I get the flu...

This is me too. I've actually never thought about getting it since I've been pregnant! My OB hasn't said anything either. I will have to ask her when I see her next week. OP, thanks for bringing this up though...get's my thinker thinking

ToledoDeux · September 2010

QueenBee320:
J+MS:
See I'm undecided on this. I never get the flu...so I've never gotten the flu shot. I'm afraid that if I go ahead and get one this year, then this will be the year I get the flu...

Me too! I didn't get a flu shot with DD#1 or ever for that matter and had no problems with her or me getting sick and she was born at the end of Sept. I also don't get her flu shots and she has still yet to get more then a cold. She was EBFed (not sure if that made a difference, I'd like to think it did.) I'm not anti-vaccine she's had everything else according to the regular vaccine schedule, even the H1N1.

Wait - you got your kid the H1N1 flu shot, but not the seasonal flu shot last year? Why one and not the other? They're both just flu shots, protecting against different strains.

Mjmksb04 · September 2010

sylwill:

Mjmksb04:
Maybe I read it wrong and if so, I apologize. I felt like the question of "so, do you not ever plan on taking your baby anywhere?" put me on the defense.

It's a valid question if the reason behind not getting the shot is that the baby won't go to daycare. There are other palces - church, grocery stores, the park, library etc. where they can catch germs too. Not just the daycare. Or if the reason is they'll only be with me and DH. what? forever?

I guess to me, till the child can make an informed decision, we, as their parents, are responsible for that decision. and, considering that some pedis won't even take unvaccinated children into their practice, that makes up my mind. It also made up my mind as to which pedi to pick. I don't want other parents' decisions affecting my kid's health.

And to be fair, we do all other vaccines according to schedule, I just don't do the flu shot.

1BabyFritsch · September 2010

sylwill:

Mjmksb04:
Maybe I read it wrong and if so, I apologize. I felt like the question of "so, do you not ever plan on taking your baby anywhere?" put me on the defense.

It's a valid question if the reason behind not getting the shot is that the baby won't go to daycare. There are other palces - church, grocery stores, the park, library etc. where they can catch germs too. Not just the daycare. Or if the reason is they'll only be with me and DH. what? forever?

I guess to me, till the child can make an informed decision, we, as their parents, are responsible for that decision. and, considering that some pedis won't even take unvaccinated children into their practice, that makes up my mind. It also made up my mind as to which pedi to pick. I don't want other parents' decisions affecting my kid's health.

Yes babys will go in public but who lets strangers hold there baby? and If you dont hav to take a newborn out in public exspecially during flu season why would you? Our plan is to not take LO out as much as possible if we need grocerys DH will go and I will atay home with LO or vis versa. Church not a issue for us.. Librarys are just nasty places in general and we never go to them. and it will be NOV I doubt we will be going to the park....

As for doctors not taking chilldren without a flu shot. We have a pediatrician already (that I work for) who has said like every other doctor my OB included that getting the flu shot is MY decision and since I have a history of bad reactions is better to NOT get it since the side effects could be dangersous to the baby

Kimee13 · September 2010

Nope, was just asked at the Dr yesterday and they didn't question when I said no. I've never gotten the flu shot and don't plan on anytime soon - I've seen too many people extremely ill from the side effects and the shots do not cover all strains. DS will be vaccinated with all recommended vaccinations once he's here.

ReniaB · September 2010

I'm just lurking but couldn't help but respond. Even though you indicate that your post is not snarky it sure does come across as one. I think getting a flu shot is a personal choice as there can be side effects. I choose not to get one the H1N1 for various reasons. And to answer your question, yes I stayed home with my LO for the first couple months. I live in the cold midwest and my LO was born in early January. Also, I breast feed so my LO receives antibodies from me.

xoashleigh4ox · September 2010

I am not getting a flu shot and neither is my child.. I never had the flu and never had a flu shot. There are different strands of the flu every year the flu shot doesn't protect against all of them. Also why would i want to put the flu in my body with a chance of getting it. No thanks. I understand it for people with breathing problems like asthma getting the flu shot b/c it can make them get pneumonia. But its not for me. My Doctor asked me if I wanted it and I said no and she said its not a big deal.

robinsokj · September 2010

1BabyFritsch:
I am not getting a flu shot for many reasons. Two being

1. I have always had VERY bad reactions to the shot.

2. Being in the health care feild myself and seeing many many sick people every day and being in contact with them and never having gotten the flu I really think the flu shot is pointless, at least for me. I am just not a sickly person.

Also, I will not be vaccinating LO. Well we may end up vaccinating LO once he goes to school but not before then. because

1. I am afraid he will have a bad reaction like I do

2. He will not be in any kind of day care he will be home with me or DH

You sound very uneducated for someone in the health field.

ETA: I just saw that you meant only flu. It read as though you weren't vaccinating against anything. So, sorry for the jump to conclusions.

ToledoDeux · September 2010

xoashleigh4ox:
I am not getting a flu shot and neither is my child.. I never had the flu and never had a flu shot. There are different strands of the flu every year the flu shot doesn't protect against all of them. Also why would i want to put the flu in my body with a chance of getting it. No thanks. I understand it for people with breathing problems like asthma getting the flu shot b/c it can make them get pneumonia. But its not for me. My Doctor asked me if I wanted it and I said no and she said its not a big deal.

1) The flu shot contains the strains that are believed by epidemiologists to be the most prevalent for the upcoming season. Even if you contract a flu strain that is not contained in the shot, your symptoms and duration of illness will be greatly reduced because you have some protection to other strains

2) You can not get the flu from the flu shot.

3) The flu is more dangerous for infants and pregnant women than it is for other healthy adults. Your previous history with the flu is irrelevant to the decision-making process about the vaccine when you are pregnant or have a small baby.

loveforlife2009 · September 2010

i may be a little late to add to this, but for all those saying that by taking the vaccine when you are pregnant and passing immunity to your baby.. what do you think makes it ok for the baby to get it when they aren't allowed to get the vaccine themselves until they are 6 months?

just wondering that is all.. i definitely do not have the answer and am having a hard time deciding about this vaccine

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