Are you getting the flu shot?

chance_encounters · September 2012

Ok, so I know they strongly suggest pg women get the flu shot. I personally have gotten it once in my life and I got SO SICK after. I am thinking I will probably NOT get the shot but I want to hear about your thoughts/experiences on this.

Thanks ladies!

Schrodinger · September 2012

I am. My OB has a preservative-free version that they give to expectant moms. My reasoning is that I've had the flu before and was miserable, I'd rather not go through that while pregnant. I also have two step-daughters that will bring home every bug from daycare, so I'd rather hedge my bets that I'm covered.

this decaf life · September 2012

I'm not 100% sure but I'm leaning towards not getting the shot. It doesn't protect you from every strand and maybe it's just because I've never had the flu before I'm just not too worried about getting it this year. I really don't want to risk getting sick from the shot either.

SPK926 · September 2012

Yes, I already got it. The flu shot is not a live virus so getting sick from it is impossible. The flu mist is the live virus and pregnant women can't get that anyway.

Getting the real flu (not just sick and what people call the flu) is a very serious and can be deadly thing. Your baby can not be immunized for a few months after the birth so the only way to protect them is to protect yourself as well and get the shot during pregnancy. Why wouldn't someone want to do that? An infant that gets the flu is much more likely to have serious complications or die from it. Having our babies during January, a.k.a. prime flu time is another reason for us to get it.

prissy1479 · September 2012

I did...usually have a reaction afterwards but the pharmacist suggested the preservative free version. It was great (not that getting a shot ever is.) I went on a cruise about a week afterwards with no yucky symptoms thus far! What does your OB suggest?

happyasjustkim · September 2012

I'll ask and see what the dr says when I go in for my apt this week, but if they say yes, I'll probably get it. I really don't want to catch the flu since it can make you so sick. And b/c I have a 3 year old that goes to preschool and I'm sure will be around germs and I don't want her bringing something home.

MrsLean · September 2012

Yes, I'll be getting the flu shot (I get it every year). I'm a nurse in a pediatric emergency department so I'm exposed to the flu on a daily bases, so it's a no-brainer for me. Plus my LO will get some benefit from me getting the shot. I've felt ill after getting the flu shot a couple times in the past but it only lasts a day or two.

graciesmurf · September 2012

OP you and I have similar experiences. I too got the flu shot once and it was the most awful sickness I've ever had. Years that I didn't get it I either didn't get sick or had what felt like a slight cold. DH gets his every year (it's required where he works).

I am getting the flu shot this year. My OB convinced me and it's important to DH.

sbevmc09 · September 2012

No. IMO the efficacy/benefits don't outweigh the risks. I prefer to use more natural methods to boost my immune system during cold and flu season.

ETA: And others are right, you can't get the flu from the flu shot (they don't recommend the live virus version for pregnant women), but the most common side effects are flu-like symptoms and it knocks down your immune system leaving you more vulnerable to any illness you may encounter including the flu virus for the 2 weeks it takes to reach maximum efficacy. A lot of people claim to get the flu from the vax, but it's either a reaction to the vax itself OR they've caught the flu or another nasty virus around the same time before the vax had a chance to work.

landosmommy · September 2012

Got it when I was PG with DS & got it 2 weeks ago.

Kie310 · September 2012

Nope. Never have, never plan to.

luvindanimals · September 2012

Got it at my OB office and did not get sick! I am usually anti flu shot but when my OB said to get it I listened. I work at a childcare facility so it is more necessary.

EAMommy · September 2012

IF I get it I will not be getting it until after baby is born, while I'm still in the hospital. However, I'm leaning toward not getting it. My immune system (body) is already going to take a hit after delivery and I don't need to add a flu vax on top of it. Plus, we'll be hunkered down for 4 weeks after delivery so we shouldn't be exposed to much anyway...

I will be asking my daycare parents if they are vaccinating their kids. I just want to know who to be wary of if they are not vaccinated...

brianabrad · September 2012

Have your OB's already suggested it?

I've had the flu once and it was no fun. However, DH and I got it only after traveling and I highly believe we got it from being in an airport and airplane in the thick of flu season. We won't be traveling this year during the flu season or at all from here till baby plus I've been doing the disinfect like crazy thing at work. DH and I both make it a point to wash our hands the minute we are in the door from work, shopping. etc.

Starfish+77 · September 2012

Yes, planning to get it in a couple weeks. Have never gotten the shot before but it is highly recommended when pregnant.

brianabrad · September 2012

jcar2:
brianabrad:
Have your OB's already suggested it? I've had the flu once and it was no fun. However, DH and I got it only after traveling and I highly believe we got it from being in an airport and airplane in the thick of flu season. We won't be traveling this year during the flu season or at all from here till baby plus I've been doing the disinfect like crazy thing at work. DH and I both make it a point to wash our hands the minute we are in the door from work, shopping. etc.

My OB recommended it at my last appointment. I haven't gotten it yet, but that's due to me being a chicken. I absolutely hate shots and needles so I'm working myself up to get it lol. I've never had one before.

Ha! Me too . . I typically don't subject myself to needles thus the reason I've never gotten it. I half expected my OB to recommend it at the last appt but he didn't. I think I'll wait it out and see if he does.

AppleJacks81 · September 2012

Yep! I've had it multiple times. I was first in line when the swine flu vaccine first came out and I was 8 months pregnant. You also pass some antibodies to your baby which may temporarily protect them after birth when they are too young to get the vaccine themselves. Don't forget us January mommas will give birth in the heart of flu season, and your DH or well meaning family members visiting can bring bugs to you even if you are staying home.

hellojenny531 · September 2012

The last time I got a flu shot I was too young to remember. Never got the flu and have never been worried about it but since the risk is higher for pregnant women, I'll wait until my OB says to get it.

Magenta728 · September 2012

SPK926:
Yes, I already got it. The flu shot is not a live virus so getting sick from it is impossible. The flu mist is the live virus and pregnant women can't get that anyway.

Getting the real flu (not just sick and what people call the flu) is a very serious and can be deadly thing. Your baby can not be immunized for a few months after the birth so the only way to protect them is to protect yourself as well and get the shot during pregnancy. Why wouldn't someone want to do that? An infant that gets the flu is much more likely to have serious complications or die from it. Having our babies during January, a.k.a. prime flu time is another reason for us to get it.

Word. I get the shot every year and my OB also recommended it.

JennV514 · September 2012

Absolutely. Already got it, at my last appointment.

EAMommy · September 2012

SPK926:
Yes, I already got it. The flu shot is not a live virus so getting sick from it is impossible. The flu mist is the live virus and pregnant women can't get that anyway.

Getting the real flu (not just sick and what people call the flu) is a very serious and can be deadly thing. Your baby can not be immunized for a few months after the birth so the only way to protect them is to protect yourself as well and get the shot during pregnancy. Why wouldn't someone want to do that? An infant that gets the flu is much more likely to have serious complications or die from it. Having our babies during January, a.k.a. prime flu time is another reason for us to get it.

It's not that I don't want to protect my baby. Have you ever heard of Guillain Barre Syndrome? It can be a deadly reaction to getting a vaccination such as the flu shot. My brother had it 6 years ago after getting the flu shot and was in the hospital on life support for 6 weeks and nearly died. He had to relearn how to walk, eat, you name it. He is still dealing with side effects to this day. My doctors have cautioned my against getting the flu vax because they don't know what caused his reaction. Some of us have a very good reason for not getting it...

EAMommy · September 2012

jjr1214:
EAMommy:
SPK926:
Yes, I already got it. The flu shot is not a live virus so getting sick from it is impossible. The flu mist is the live virus and pregnant women can't get that anyway.

Getting the real flu (not just sick and what people call the flu) is a very serious and can be deadly thing. Your baby can not be immunized for a few months after the birth so the only way to protect them is to protect yourself as well and get the shot during pregnancy. Why wouldn't someone want to do that? An infant that gets the flu is much more likely to have serious complications or die from it. Having our babies during January, a.k.a. prime flu time is another reason for us to get it.

It's not that I don't want to protect my baby. Have you ever heard of Guillain Barre Syndrome? It can be a deadly reaction to getting a vaccination such as the flu shot. My brother had it 6 years ago after getting the flu shot and was in the hospital on life support for 6 weeks and nearly died. He had to relearn how to walk, eat, you name it. He is still dealing with side effects to this day. My doctors have cautioned my against getting the flu vax because they don't know what caused his reaction. Some of us have a very good reason for not getting it...
Not trying to downplay what your brother went through, my cousin also had Guillain Barre and I know how serious it can be. However, most cases of Guillain Barre are caused by a bacterial or viral infection or are of unknown cause. Epidemiological studies have not found any link between vaccination and Guillain Barre.

His doctors have said it was directly related to the flu vaccination and he received a hefty settlement from the vaccination manufacturer for his sufferings....

brittandjp · September 2012

Yes, I'm definitely getting the shot. I'll get it at my 27th week appointment, which is the same time I'll do the glucose test.

DMG122183 · September 2012

Sorry your brother went through that! You can actually get Guillian Barre from any virus, including CMV which is one of the most common viruses out there. You can also get it from simple food poisoning. Nobody knows why some people get it and others don't, but is thought to be a some kind of autoimmune disease.

Got my flu shot last week. Super important for me since I work in a hospital! Like every health care decision, it's a choice.

ungraceful13 · September 2012

My OB basically said I "had" to and that the immunity would help the baby so I got the preservatives free kind last week and it was no big deal.

moonglow_84 · September 2012

I've never had the flu in my life and so have never had a reason to get the flu shot. DH has never had the flu or the shot either. The only two people on my side of the family who ever really got sick were my dad and my half sister and I actually blame my stepmother for that because she always disinfected the shyte out of everything in their house so as soon as my sister went off to school she had no immunities built up and got sick constantly.

ETA spelling fail. And no I won't be doing anything differently just because I'm pg.

Smwainscott · September 2012

Already got mine and don't regret it!

TexasMom7137 · September 2012

SPK926:
Yes, I already got it. The flu shot is not a live virus so getting sick from it is impossible. The flu mist is the live virus and pregnant women can't get that anyway.Getting the real flu not just sick and what people call the flu is a very serious and can be deadly thing. Your baby can not be immunized for a few months after the birth so the only way to protect them is to protect yourself as well and get the shot during pregnancy. Why wouldn't someone want to do that? An infant that gets the flu is much more likely to have serious complications or die from it. Having our babies during January, a.k.a. prime flu time is another reason for us to get it.

All of this.

TexasMom7137 · September 2012

SPK926:
Yes, I already got it. The flu shot is not a live virus so getting sick from it is impossible. The flu mist is the live virus and pregnant women can't get that anyway.Getting the real flu not just sick and what people call the flu is a very serious and can be deadly thing. Your baby can not be immunized for a few months after the birth so the only way to protect them is to protect yourself as well and get the shot during pregnancy. Why wouldn't someone want to do that? An infant that gets the flu is much more likely to have serious complications or die from it. Having our babies during January, a.k.a. prime flu time is another reason for us to get it.

All of this.

bearkatjen · September 2012

Yes. I got it for the first time when I was pg with DS1, and I have gotten it every single year since then. DH and DS get it each year too. Whether we have had the shot or the mist, none of has gotten sick from it. DS1 has already had it this year. DH and I are getting ours in a couple of weeks. DH and I our also getting the booster for whooping couch. DH got his yesterday. I'm going to get mine at the start of the third trimester.

pghctwife · September 2012

This was discussed last week. My answer is the same as it was then: abs-effing-lutely.

I already did get mine, and if anyone is considering forgoing the shot you really should do your research and discuss this with your Dr. Honestly, skipping it when we are all having babies drink cold and flu season really baffles me. This will protect the baby, who will be at high risk for contracting it. Not to mention protecting yourself - pregnant women are among the high risk group because our immune systems are somewhat suppressed. Getting the REAL flu is no joke, and while pg is dangerous to you and baby.

But... of course make your own decisions. I really just don't understand taking this risk myself.

knitsandgiggles · September 2012

I am getting the flu shot. I have had a miserable cold the past week miserable! and once this passes I'll get the flu shot. If a cold knocked me out for a week, I can't imagine what the flu would do. I was always in the recommended group to get it anyway because I'm asthmatic.

jobiann · September 2012

I got mine two Fridays ago and I didn't get sick. Just had a sore arm for a few days.

xDanniellex · September 2012

I've never gotten it in past years, even during my first pregnancy. This time I opted to get it. My H has to get it as he works as hospital security. I decided that I would go ahead and get it with my 2 year old, mostly so I could pass whatever immunities on to the baby I could since they'll be born in the middle of flu season and won't be able to get their own shot.

Little man and I got our shots this past Wednesday. No adverse reactions for either of us, thank goodness.

BLPL101 · September 2012

Yes, I'm getting it. I have an appointment on Tuesday and I'm going to ask my Dr. when I should get it. I'm flying Oct 19 to CA for my baby shower so I am thinking I should probably get it before then, but I hear that a lot of people get sick from the shot so I don't want to be sick for the trip. I will be making DH get it too.

clariknittist · September 2012

I opted out at my appt this week. I just lean toward the low intervention side of things, but I like to think I am within reason - I'm not going to skip ALL vaccinations for my baby, for instance. I just got the vaccination schedule at the dr's the other day, there are a lot from birth through 6 years these days...

adiebear · September 2012

Yes, I my husband and I both probably will. Neither of us have been huge on getting them before, by my OB strongly recommended it (along with the Tdap shot, which I got at my appointment last week). I'm not thrilled about it, and will try to get it on a Thursday or Friday, that way if I do feel ill afterwards, I'll have the weekend so I won't have to take any days off! But, the OB said we should, and since it's not just me I'm thinking about any more, I'll follow her suggestions! :-)

jessrenee11 · September 2012

PghCTBride:
This was discussed last week. My answer is the same as it was then: abseffinglutely.nbsp;I already did get mine, and if anyone is considering forgoing the shot you really should do your research and discuss this with your Dr. Honestly, skipping it when we are all having babies drink cold and flu season really baffles me. This will protect the baby, who will be at high risk for contracting it. Not to mention protecting yourself pregnant women are among the high risk group because our immune systems are somewhat suppressed. Getting the REAL flu is no joke, and while pg is dangerous to you and baby.nbsp;nbsp;But... of course make your own decisions. I really just don't understand taking this risk myself.nbsp;

this this this! I honestly feel like its kinda selfish to not get it. Im protecting my child when they can not protect themselves!

Bride-hilda · September 2012

I've never had it before, but my doctor and husband talked me into it. It didn't hurt going in, but the rest of the day I would suddenly feel a sever pain where the needle went in. That sucked. I also felt very sick later that night, but I was okie-dokie the next day. And now I feel invincible!

I mostly did it because being pregnant I'm more susceptible to getting VERY sick should I get sick, and this way baby will be born vaccinated from the common flu, and since baby's coming in January... I figured it was just the best option.

DUH! I forgot what board I was on and that we're all due in January. lol.

rinascita · October 2012

I already got it from my CVS/Caremark pharmacist about 3 weeks ago.

I didn't so much get it for me, but for the babies that will be so prone to getting it during flu season at only a month or so old.

After reading the CDC and Mayo Clinic's websites, I decided I should get it...

https://www.cdc.gov/Features/PregnancyAndFlu/

https://www.mayoclinic.com/health/influenza/AN00651

sbevmc09 · October 2012

jessrenee11:
PghCTBride:
This was discussed last week. My answer is the same as it was then: abseffinglutely.nbsp;I already did get mine, and if anyone is considering forgoing the shot you really should do your research and discuss this with your Dr. Honestly, skipping it when we are all having babies drink cold and flu season really baffles me. This will protect the baby, who will be at high risk for contracting it. Not to mention protecting yourself pregnant women are among the high risk group because our immune systems are somewhat suppressed. Getting the REAL flu is no joke, and while pg is dangerous to you and baby.nbsp;nbsp;But... of course make your own decisions. I really just don't understand taking this risk myself.nbsp;
this this this! I honestly feel like its kinda selfish to not get it. Im protecting my child when they can not protect themselves!

Nope, not at all selfish. I don't receive the vax and I always do what I feel is best for my child(ren). If you feel that doing the best thing for your baby is getting the flu vax that's absolutely fine, but it's not fair to say that everyone has to think the same way. I've done the research, just like I assume anyone who has received the vax has done, and I've come to the conclusion that in my opinion the protection isn't worth the possible side effects. If the immunity was lasting or would protect my child in a more comprehensive way I'd get the vax, but as it is any immunity passed to them isn't long-lasting and can't be guaranteed.

My point is, don't assume that just because someone has arrived at a different conclusion as you that they're making a selfish decision. If there was one right answer it would make the whole issue a whole lot easier for everyone.

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