D.C. Area Babies
Dr. Note required for Flu Shot?
My employer offers the flu shot for free. I just got my notice for scheduling, and it has a disclaimer at the bottom stating that if I are pregnant, a note from my physician is required prior to vaccination. Is this common? I thought that it was highly encouraged for pregnant women to be vaccinated. I'm just wondering if I should be concerned about this.
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Re: Dr. Note required for Flu Shot?
I had no problems getting one from my employer last year when I was around 28 weeks pregnant (without a note.) I have never heard of this.
I wouldn't be concerned if I were you. I got both the regular flu and the H1N1 vaccine last year and am glad that I did. I had a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby!
It probably depends on who is giving it and how much you are showing as to whether or not you can get away without a note. MedStar came to my work recently for a 1-day clinic, and I didn't know a note was required until I showed up for my appt and started to read the form they make you fill out. (Thank you HR!)
I was 7 mos pg with no way to hide the belly, and they wouldn't let me get it. I wound up getting it the following week at CWC at my next OB appt, and paying $25.
When they did it at our office, they wouldn't give it to pregnant woman at all (even with a note) - I still need to get it, although I got H1N1 last year so I think if I miss it, I will be OK.
In 2007, my work required a note and I was told that I would need to sign a consent form because 3 years ago the flu shot was NOT recommended for pregnant woman, according the the data sheets of the company who manufactured the vaccine. I believe it still is the same, the data sheets don't recommend it, but doctors do. I believe the nurses go by the data sheet.
This is from the current flu shot
"8. USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
8.1. Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category C: Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Fluzone. It is also not known whether Fluzone can cause fetal harm
when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity.
Fluzone should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed."
This is on all flu vaccines, so there has been no clinical trials, just population use. So it is up to you if you want it or not, but this is the reason why some nurses at certain places won't give it to pregnant women and why I was told I needed a note in 2007.