Flu Shot

Orleata · October 2012

At our work they are offering the flu shot. I called my dr and she said that it was highly recommended for pregnant women yet I see alot of people disagree with getting them. Just wondering if anyone is getting the shot.

almostjennifer · October 2012

I got it -- not just for myself, but because it gives the baby antibodies for the first six months when they are too young to get the shot themselves.

light52 · October 2012

I got it at my last OB appointment.

starbuck12 · October 2012

My midwife suggested it, especially since I work with kids. Do a little research about what can happen to baby if you get the flu while pregnant. For me the risk of getting the shot was less than the risk to baby if I got the flu. If you're worried about possible negatives of the vaccine, ask your Dr. or midwife for a vaccine without Thimerosal. It's a nasty little preservative that has shown some links to autism and severe food allergies in children. Basically, do your research and decide for yourself which is best for you and your little one!

versace1008 · October 2012

I got mine at my OB's a month ago..

bumpuser7698452 · October 2012

I opted out of getting it. My doctor didn't seem too happy, but I don't feel like it's right for me or my family (I'm not anti-vaccine btw).

Spartan0627 · October 2012

This is the first time I have gotten the flu shot. I was going to get it free through work (I work in the healthcare field), BUT my doctor said NOT to get the type of flu shot that is drawn from a vile. There are other flu shots that are individual dose needles, which are safe for pregnant women. Check with your employer to see what type of flu shot they provide, otherwise see if your doctor's office provides one. Although the amount of immunity passed on to the baby is minimal, it is still something! Plus, like someone mentioned above, you don't want to end up in the hospital over something that might be preventable... we all know the flu shot doesn't protect against all strains of flu.

kleigh926 · October 2012

I got mine about a month ago. For me, it's really a no brainer.... I work in a hospital and I'm not going to risk getting the flu while pregnant.

katherinebos@hotmail.com · October 2012

knickerbockers:
I opted out of getting it. My doctor didn't seem too happy, but I don't feel like it's right for me or my family (I'm not anti-vaccine btw).

Would you mind sharing why you chose not to, or PM me? I'm not anti-vaccine, but my mid-wife said that she didn't recommend getting one and I'm on the fence.

eegeekwife · October 2012

I got mine last week

sararn2004 · October 2012

Got mine last Friday.

minda31807 · October 2012

Got mine at my last appt, DH is getting his at the end of the month and I will be calling my boys' doc tomorrow morning to see when they are having their flu shot clinics due to the fact that a kid that attends the same preschool as DS1 was confirmed positive for influenza over the weekend.

pnwlover · October 2012

I didn't get the flu shot. I opted out, I am not anti vaccine. I have never had the flu shot nor has anyone in my family. It was my first year of teaching last year and I had the flu pretty bad..my doctor was a little relieved to hear I had been sick last year. And stopped nagging at me to get one.

eastcoastjess · October 2012

I too was offered one at work and I decided to get it, since they say it is high priority for pregnant women. The other deciding factor for me was the fact that this past winter I was sick three times in a matter of a month and a half. (I work at a clinic and check in lots of patients daily. So they are constantly breathing, sneezing, coughing, etc on me). I only had a flu shot once before, and I got extremely sick a few days afterward. I decided to try the shot again hoping I would not get sick afterwards. I had it a week and half ago and so far so good. My arm did not even hurt the next day.

AmieV3 · October 2012

Got mine 2 weeks ago

Runaway22 · October 2012

I am skipping the flu shot this year, and every year. Call me crazy, but I'd rather take my vitamins, wash my hands, wrap up warmly when it's cold and eat healthy food than take the risk. I don't think there's enough research out there to prove they're 100 safe, especially for pregnant and nursing women.

perplexed59 · October 2012

I don't/won't get the flu shot. I don't think immunizations should be a one size fits all solution. Yes pregnancy compromises immune systems but I believe that my immune system is still strong enough to deal with the flu. If I was a sickly person then I would probably get one. With all vaccines boosters I have my teeter's checked to see what I actually need. I've taken many courses in epidemiology and had a major focus on immunizations and I still came out not believing in the so called benefit of certain vaccines

bumpuser5925118 · October 2012

I got it because last year both DH and I got the flu. This is my first year getting the shot, but I wanted to make sure I had my bases covered in case it decides to come back again this year. I didn't want to have the guilt of not getting it.

Renee1105 · October 2012

almostjennifer:
I got it -- not just for myself, but because it gives the baby antibodies for the first six months when they are too young to get the shot themselves.

This. While I've never gotten the flu shot before, I have an amazing immune system, I'm a teacher. My newborn baby won't be as lucky if she gets it, especially being born in the winter.

beanersmommy · October 2012

I got it. Benefits me and the baby. DD got her shot, too. DH will be getting one because he will be around baby (if he remembers!). My mom, DD's babysitter, got her shot.

There is already a strain of the flu going around here. I kno the flu shot won't cover all strains, but I would rather have some protection than none.

wifeofadam · October 2012

Runaway22:
I am skipping the flu shot this year, and every year. Call me crazy, but I'd rather take my vitamins, wash my hands, wrap up warmly when it's cold and eat healthy food than take the risk. I don't think there's enough research out there to prove they're 100 safe, especially for pregnant and nursing women.

This is where I am. We take other measures to stay healthy.

kristen218 · October 2012

+adamwife+:
Runaway22:
I am skipping the flu shot this year, and every year. Call me crazy, but I'd rather take my vitamins, wash my hands, wrap up warmly when it's cold and eat healthy food than take the risk. I don't think there's enough research out there to prove they're 100 safe, especially for pregnant and nursing women.
This is where I am. We take other measures to stay healthy.

This. No flu shot here.

areadinger · October 2012

I got mine last week! Make sure they know you are pregnant though! When I went in they actually called my OB to approve it. It turns out when you're pregnant you get a completely different shot which doesn't cause any side effects that the normal shot sometimes does.

The flu shot not only helps prevent you from getting the flu but it's super effective in preventing the carrying and passing of the flu which is benefcial with a newborn at home.

beanersmommy · October 2012

PeanutR1:
kristen218:
+adamwife+:

Runaway22:
I am skipping the flu shot this year, and every year. Call me crazy, but I'd rather take my vitamins, wash my hands, wrap up warmly when it's cold and eat healthy food than take the risk. I don't think there's enough research out there to prove they're 100 safe, especially for pregnant and nursing women.

This is where I am. We take other measures to stay healthy.

This. No flu shot here.

Ummm, you guys know dressing "warmly when it's cold" or taking vitamins has nothing to do with getting the flu, right? It's a virus. If you live in any kind of suburban/urban area, those "preventions" (other than hand washing) won't do much.

This. A virus is different than a bacteria. Dressing warmly also has nothing to do with whether or not you get sick. It can make you cold, but won't give you one.

meganschiavo · October 2012

I got mine last weekend while in the hospital for my kidney stones. I've gotten the flu shot occasionally in the past and gotten sick from it once, a mild version of the flu compared to the real thing.

ohlordy · October 2012

Runaway22:
I am skipping the flu shot this year, and every year. Call me crazy, but I'd rather take my vitamins, wash my hands, wrap up warmly when it's cold and eat healthy food than take the risk. I don't think there's enough research out there to prove they're 100 safe, especially for pregnant and nursing women.

Nice to meet you, crazy. I'm on the same train as you. I have never received a flu shot in my life and I am not interested in getting one. My Dr. did mention a specific type of flu shot for pregnant women, but I'm not sold on it. Eating healthy, staying clean, taking care of your body, not running yourself ragged, and dressing weather-appropriate seems to do the trick for me every year.

phdwyfe2013 · October 2012

I just called and booked my appointment!! So next Wednesday I'll be getting the shot.

ggatlanta · October 2012

PeanutR1:
kristen218:
+adamwife+:
Runaway22:
I am skipping the flu shot this year, and every year. Call me crazy, but I'd rather take my vitamins, wash my hands, wrap up warmly when it's cold and eat healthy food than take the risk. I don't think there's enough research out there to prove they're 100 safe, especially for pregnant and nursing women.
This is where I am. We take other measures to stay healthy.
This. No flu shot here.

Ummm, you guys know dressing "warmly when it's cold" or taking vitamins has nothing to do with getting the flu, right? It's a virus. If you live in any kind of suburban/urban area, those "preventions" (other than hand washing) won't do much.

This...

MBush4 · October 2012

I got my flu shot at my last dr's appointment around three weeks ago. So far nothing has happened. I think it's up to you and what you feel comfortable with.

katie24l · October 2012

My doc put it this way when I questioned the safety of the vaccine; all medicines during pregnancy require careful weighing of risk versus benefit to the mother and fetus. No medication, aside from prenatal vitamins are considered 100% safe for pregnant women because it is unethical to do any controlled studies on their safety. All we can do it take when we do know and apply it. We know that pregnant women have weakened immune systems and are more susceptible to the flu. We know that the flu shot will protect against some strains of the flu. We know newborns cannot get a flu shot and also have weakened immune systems. We don't know that the flu shot causes any harm, providing it is preservative-free. I personally will do anything I can to protect my baby. I got my preservative-free vaccine.

Rynleigh · October 2012

starbuck12:
If you're worried about possible negatives of the vaccine, ask your Dr. or midwife for a vaccine without Thimerosal. It's a nasty little preservative that has shown some links to autism and severe food allergies in children.

Read, review footnote links, avoid spreading exaggerations and falsehoods.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thiomersal_controversy

daisyk25 · October 2012

I got mine 6 weeks ago. I was very anti- flu shot because I usually get the flu and it lasts forever when I do get sick. Anywho, I got it and I am so glad I did. My doctor told me some statistics that I later checked out on women who are pregnant and get the flu. I would definitely get one!

theimpossibleastronaut · October 2012

Is it just me or is there a flu shot debate on the board every week? No offense to anyone, it just feels like the topic is discussed a lot.

I got a preservative-free flu shot for the reasons all the other ladies listed. I also get a flu shot every year.

Rynleigh · October 2012

RiverSong82:
Is it just me or is there a flu shot debate on the board every week? No offense to anyone, it just feels like the topic is discussed a lot.
I got a preservative-free flu shot for the reasons all the other ladies listed. I also get a flu shot every year.

Eh. It's flu season, people don't like searching for past threads, and people have exaggerated fears of vaccines.

beanersmommy · October 2012

Rynleigh:
RiverSong82:

Is it just me or is there a flu shot debate on the board every week? No offense to anyone, it just feels like the topic is discussed a lot.

I got a preservative-free flu shot for the reasons all the other ladies listed. I also get a flu shot every year.

Eh. It's flu season, people don't like searching for past threads, and people have exaggerated fears of vaccines.

Agreed. I do think people need to realize three things:

1. The shot won't cause the flu. If you get the shot and then you get the flu it's either an unprotected strain, or you got the flu virus prior to the shot.

2. Preventions help, but are in no way things to rely on. Dressing warmly when it's cold keeps you warm, but doesn't keep you healthy (being cold doesn't mean you get a cold).

3. The literature written that says the flu vac. causes autism has been debunked and all contributors retracted their statements (except for one, who, last I heard, is being taken to court). The amount of mercury is a flu vac. is less than what you would eat in fish.

That being said, it's your decision. I remember a few years ago with the H1N1 outbreak my students (high schoolers) said that H1N1 caused more deaths than the regular flu. When I told them that the regular flu is a deadly virus they were shocked. I know this is more common in the very young and elderly, but we do have weaker immune systems when we are pregnant and our babies will not have flu protection when they are born. Just be sure to consider all options when weighing whether or not to get the shot.

Heartstrings13 · October 2012

starbuck12:
My midwife suggested it, especially since I work with kids. Do a little research about what can happen to baby if you get the flu while pregnant. For me the risk of getting the shot was less than the risk to baby if I got the flu. If you're worried about possible negatives of the vaccine, ask your Dr. or midwife for a vaccine without Thimerosal. It's a nasty little preservative that has shown some links to autism and severe food allergies in children. Basically, do your research and decide for yourself which is best for you and your little one!

This. I get mine next week.

beanersmommy · October 2012

Also, Walgreens automatically gave me the preservative free shot (because you mark on the paperwork that you're expecting). I really liked Walgreens because I could fill out the paperwork beforehand (it's all online).

katieworek · October 2012

I got mine about 10 days ago. Before that, I have never gotten one but like you, my doctor recommended it.

I figure if it will benefit my pregnancy and my baby, I'll do it.

dreamrunnr7 · October 2012

Got mine yesterday! I had some hesitations but I think it was the right choice. I work in a pediatric clinic so all kinds of things come through.

wifeofadam · October 2012

Simple preventative measures do not ensure that you will not get the flu, but neither does the flu shot. People talk about the shot as if it means they definitely will not get the flu when in reality it has a very low efficacy rate. I think you all have a very false sense of security, but whatever.

Washing your hands helps to keep you from getting sick.

Eating a healthy diet and exercising keeps your immune system healthy and helps to keep you from getting sick (or helps you handle the sickness better).

Avoiding germy places during cold and flu season decreases your risk of exposure.

Dressing warmly and getting outside in the fresh air decreases your chances of getting sick.

You can call me crazy, but it works for us. If my kids were in a daycare or some other germ factory I would maybe consider the shot, but we have a past success rate with what we are doing. Flame away.

empiress · October 2012

I refuse to get vaccinations, with the exception of maybe tetanus. My oldest son, 12, has been thoroughly vaccinated. My second son, 6, has been partially vaccinated because I learned alot about vaccines last year and now refuse to have them shot up anymore. Theres nothing like injecting mercury in yourself of child. Too much hype and brainwashing by big pharma for their $ake. Just my opinion. Good luck.

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