Flu shot - only given at 16 weeks+ ?

vilaro · October 2010

So I just called my doc's office to see when I could come in to get my shot, and the nurse says my doctor only gives them if you're 16 weeks +.

Hmmm... I never heard of this, and now I'm wondering if this is a general recommendation or if it's a doctor-specific preference. Am thinking the latter given that I've read some of you have already gotten it.

What have you heard or been told?

ecavin · October 2010

I got mine yesterday at my regular doctor's office and they didn't even ask how many weeks I was. They just confirmed that it was safe for pregnancy.

Hilarycee · October 2010

I can't tell you for sure but it sounds like to me that they are being cautious and waiting until you are well into your second trimester. I think there were uncertainties with last year's H1N1 shot in the first trimester, again not positive...this is just my hunch.

ams8099 · October 2010

I've never heard that.

MrsMoss · October 2010

I haven't had mine yet, but they were willing to give it to me when I went in for my 11 week appt (except I was sick so they wouldn't). Never heard of the 16 week rule.

Temp67694062501186 · October 2010

I am guessing doctor preference?

When I took DD to her 12 month visit with her pediatrician (I was 8 weeks at the time), he was talking about the flu shot for her and he mentioned that I probably wouldn't be able to get it until well into the 2nd trimester. But when I saw my OB at 9 weeks she said anytime is fine and I ended up getting it at 13 weeks.

GenaBoBenaWife · October 2010

I hadn't heard that. At my 12wk appt last wk my OB highly recommended getting one that day & she definitely knew I was not 16+ wks.

AshMarie20 · October 2010

I asked the triage nurse over the phone when I was calling with some other questions and she said that my doctor recommends them for anyone who is pregnant but she personally (the triage nurse) likes them to be given after the 1st trimester... so I think it's preference more than anything...

Nechie122 · October 2010

Sadly -- and crudely -- it's a liability thing. The first trimester is when you are at the biggest risk for a miscarriage or birth defects; if something were to happen (even coincidentally), your doctor does want to be blamed for giving you the shot. My doctor's office says 15 weeks but I'm going to see if I can get it on Monday (13 weeks); otherwise, I'll have to wait till I see her at 17 weeks, I guess.

azzyberry · October 2010

My OB was going to give me the shot yesterday (I'm 10.5 weeks) but we decided to wait until my next appt until I feel better because I've been really sick due to m/s.

irelandsangel81 · October 2010

I got mine at 11 weeks. My doc told me that I didn't need to wait until a certan point in the pregnancy.

NP2009 · October 2010

I got the advice of as soon as possible since we are going into flu season and I am pregnant from my doctor. I had mine at 12 weeks. They have the non-preservative type for pregnant women and didn't ask how far along I was when I got the shot. You might also want to suggest your DH get the flu shot too....when men get the "Man Flu" it is tough on their wives too.

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Flu shot - only given at 16 weeks+ ?

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