flu shot

Rose120 · September 2012

My dr. told me today that she recommends I get a flu shot this winter, but it is ultimately up to me. (I am 18.5 weeks pregnant and the flu shots at work are in a month or so).... I don't usually get flu shots and don't usually get the flu. I just don't really feel the need for shots that I think are unnecessary but at the same time absolutely don't want to put my child in any danger now or after they are born (early Feb).

What are you going to or what did you do during a winter pregnancy? Get the flu shot or skip it? Why?

stoneycakes · September 2012

I did get end up getting it because after I researched it, I decided it was more of a benefit than a risk. I worked with the public and I didn't want to worry every time someone wiped their nose and then handed me money. My midwife didn't push it, but suggested I research it and make up my own mind. So that's what I did.

I never used to get the flu shot (or the flu), but after becoming pregnant, I got much more uptight about it. I didn't think I'd vaccinate my baby the traditional way either, but then I decided to. I don't think there's a right or wrong answer to your question. You just have to research and do whatever makes you more comfortable. Either way there are risks.

desertlady86 · September 2012

I didn't get one when I was pregnant with DD and she was born in December. I won't be getting one this time around either and I am due the first part of February.

00jennifer00 · September 2012

I never have and won't either. Dh and the kids don't get them either.

angelfire02 · September 2012

I had never gotten one until I got pregnant last fall but I was nannying for a family with 5 kids who were all going to school. I didn't get sick last year and this year I will be getting one because like pp said, I'm not going to stay all cooped up this winter with two babies! I will also make my husband get one and will vaccinate our babies.

desdemona39 · September 2012

I get it every year including the year I was pregnant. I am a nurse though, and am exposed to the flu almost daily during flu season.

spfclr · September 2012

I know, it's such a hard decision!

My opinion for me right now is that I will get it only when I'm pregnant and my daughter will get it until she's past 2.

I don't remember hearing as much about the flu last year, but the winter I was pregnant there were a few flu related deaths of pregnant women in my state which is what helped me make my decision that year.

Whatever you do will be fine!

meg1974 · September 2012

DD's pedi told me to get it when I was PG too, but I didn't. It's a category C drug, and I was careful to avoid those while PG.

shotzie · September 2012

As my OB put it, "flu and pregnancy don't mix." I'd get the shot. I got it both times I was pregnant.

Here's info from Infant Risk. The head of the institute wrote the book that doctors go by when assessing risk/benefits of meds in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

https://www.infantrisk.com/content/influenza-update-2011-2012-0

Allibob · September 2012

I get it every year, and got the preservative-free version the year I was pregnant. We had lots of visitors over the winter wanting to meet the baby, and I made sure all family got their flu and TDaP vaccines as well. If you get the vaccine while pregnant, you can pass on the immunity to your baby and help protect it during those crucial first few months. You also protect yourself and the baby from the dangers of you being ill during pregnancy. Some studies suggest autism may be related to illness during pregnancy. I can't imagine what risk the vaccine could have that would outweigh the benefit of protecting your baby. That's my two cents.

SunnyMuffin · September 2012

I found I was pregnant in Oct and noo way did I get a flu shot. The ladies on my BMB kept talking about their doctors telling them to get flu shots but my midwife never even mentioned it, I was so glad! It seems so unnecessary.

I'm a nurse who worked in a nursing home, I never got sick even when the whole facility was. Pregnancy boosts your immune system

I wouldn't even get one while not pregnant though

saraboston · September 2012

I did and do it every year. (I'm required to for working in a hospital.) DD and I will be first in line this year too.

This would sell me pretty quick (from Shotsie's link):

?Flu is more likely to cause severe illness in pregnant women than in women who are not pregnant. Changes in the immune system, heart, and lungs during pregnancy make pregnant women more prone to severe illness from flu as well as hospitalizations and even death. Pregnant woman with flu also have a greater chance for serious problems for their unborn baby, including premature labor and delivery. Flu shots will protect pregnant women, their unborn babies and even protect the baby after birth.?

CDC

mldain · September 2012

My Lo was born in feb and I never got the flu shot. At that time I was a preschool teacher too.

ytterp · September 2012

I'm having multiples, they will likely be born very early. I never get flu shots, but my doctors told me that I should because the vaccine would protect the babies after they were born, when they are most susceptible to illness, especially since mine will be preemies. That sold me

drpayne · September 2012

saraboston:
I did and do it every year. I'm required to for working in a hospital. DD and I will be first in line this year too. nbsp;This would sell me pretty quick from Shotsie's link:Flu is more likely to cause severe illness in pregnant women
than in women who are not pregnant. Changes in the immune system, heart,
and lungs during pregnancy make pregnant women more prone to severe
illness from flu as well as hospitalizations and even death. Pregnant
woman with flu also have a greater chance for serious problems for their
unborn baby, including premature labor and delivery.nbsp; Flu shots will
protect pregnant women, their unborn babies and even protect the baby
after birth.nbsp;
nbsp;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; CDCnbsp;

This is exactly why I don't understand why people think "I don't get the shot because I never get the flu" is a reasonable argument when pregnant. Your whole immune system is different and there is another person's who basically has NO immune system well being to consider.

Runaway22 · October 2012

SunnyMuffin:
I found I was pregnant in Oct and noo way did I get a flu shot. The ladies on my BMB kept talking about their doctors telling them to get flu shots but my midwife never even mentioned it, I was so glad! It seems so unnecessary.
I'm a nurse who worked in a nursing home, I never got sick even when the whole facility was. Pregnancy boosts your immune system
I wouldn't even get one while not pregnant though

Pregnancy boosts your immune system? Why does everyone keep telling me it compromises it? I tend to agree... This sounds really dumb, but I sneeze a lot more now than I ever did when I wasn't preg - and it's not the annoying, allergy kind of sneeze. It's like my body is just working overtime to make sure I don't get sick from harboring any nastiness and hurt the baby.

I also eat pretty decently, and take my vitamins. I'd rather take my chances with the world by wrapping up warmly when it's cold and washing my hands frequently than the chances of adverse effects from the shot.

AMarie1214 · October 2012

I've never had one, nor do I have any intention of getting one. I'm actually allergic to conventional white eggs (I'm able to eat organic brown eggs if I want) and have never been able to get the flu shot. I work at a drs office and am in constant contact with patients, the best I can do is eat clean and wash my hands frequently. So far, so good.. and usually by this time of the year everyone has had at least a head cold.

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