Flu Shot?

tlafond82 · October 2012

Hi Ladies! Just getting back from my first doctor's appt and he pushed the flu shot aggressively. DH and I weren't sure if I should take it or not as I've heard people talk about the flu shot contents (thimerosal/mercury) "possibly" causing or being a risk for increasing the chances of down syndrome in your child.

I really don't have much info beyond that and my doctor practically laughed at me when I asked if this was a risk. I've done the Dr. Google thing this afternoon and am still undecided.

Does anyone have any good info sources on this topic? And what is everyone else's inclinations, to get it or not to get it?

Wish82 · October 2012

I got mine today. I emailed my dr to see what their recommendation was. They prefer pregnant women go ahead be it get it. Some say wait till 2nd tri, but that seems to be an old way of thinking.

kread8 · October 2012

My dr told me to get one ASAP so I am listening. I am of the opinion that if I chose my dr and trust them to give me the best OB care throughout this process, then I need to take their advice. I appreciate you wanting to do research/etc - but dr. google can at times open a whole can of unnecessary worms.

LizC216 · October 2012

Wish82:
I got mine today. I emailed my dr to see what their recommendation was. They prefer pregnant women go ahead be it get it. Some say wait till 2nd tri, but that seems to be an old way of thinking.

My doctor said the same thing. I got mine today.

skio · October 2012

There is no link between thimerisol and Down syndrome. There was worry years ago that mercury based preservatives were linked to autism, but this has been disproven. You can also get a thimerisol free version if you prefer.

I'll be getting mine in a few weeks. I did my research during my first pregnancy and feel strongly about getting it during pregnancy to protect myself and the baby.

Do some of your own research and talk to more doctors if you want second opinions. Sites like the CDC and WHO have good info.

tlafond82 · October 2012

kread8:
My dr told me to get one ASAP so I am listening. I am of the opinion that if I chose my dr and trust them to give me the best OB care throughout this process, then I need to take their advice. I appreciate you wanting to do research/etc - but dr. google can at times open a whole can of unnecessary worms.

I agree wholeheartedly about Dr. Google. I am certainly inclined to get it and move on since the benefits seem to outweigh the risks, but I know that this board has a ton of very well informed women and thought I'd get a general sense and maybe a source or two for reassurance.

GraceInCA · October 2012

First of all, Down syndrome is chromosomal. You're already pregnant, the chromosomes are set, you can't change that no matter what you do. You can't "catch" Down syndrome. That might be why your doctor practically laughed.

The amount of mercury/thimerosal in the multi-dose shot is less than in a can of tuna, and won't cause you or the baby any kind of harm. If you're truly concerned about it though, you can asked for a single-dose shot which doesn't have the preservative, and you'll be set.

I also posted this last week, but there might even be a benefit to your pregnancy from having the shot:

https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/05/22/health-flu-shot-prevent-stillborn-baby_n_1535929.html

AMarie101 · October 2012

I do not think I am getting it as of now but I need to research more.At my last OB visit the medical assistant asked if i wanted it, I said no, and she said ok. She did not encourage me to get it. I am having my 8 week visit in a few weeks and I plan to question the OB more. I also need to do more online research. I have never been an advocate of the flu shot but I understand the reason why it may be important when pregnant.

tlafond82 · October 2012

GraceInCA:
First of all, Down syndrome is chromosomal. You're already pregnant, the chromosomes are set, you can't change that no matter what you do. You can't "catch" Down syndrome. That might be why your doctor practically laughed.

The amount of mercury/thimerosal in the multi-dose shot is less than in a can of tuna, and won't cause you or the baby any kind of harm. If you're truly concerned about it though, you can asked for a single-dose shot which doesn't have the preservative, and you'll be set.

I also posted this last week, but there might even be a benefit to your pregnancy from having the shot:

https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/05/22/health-flu-shot-prevent-stillborn-baby_n_1535929.html

Excellent info! And very interesting stats! Thanks for this :-)

fluffpup · October 2012

I got my flu shot today. My doc highly recommended it for pregnant women.

mmdd20 · October 2012

kread8:
My dr told me to get one ASAP so I am listening. I am of the opinion that if I chose my dr and trust them to give me the best OB care throughout this process, then I need to take their advice. I appreciate you wanting to do research/etc - but dr. google can at times open a whole can of unnecessary worms.

This exactly. My doctor highly encourages is and I will be getting one. I defintiely think that it is important for every person to do research when they feel that they are not comfortable with their doctors recommendation, but please be careful researching on the internet. Now a days, it is really hard to decipher what is coming from legitimate medical sources and what is not.

Temp53431437508241 · October 2012

I never, ever get one, but I did today for 2 reasons. The doc said it's good for pregnant women, and I'm also going on vacation next month, and planes are germy.

Alliebooberz · October 2012

If my doctor even so much as smirked at a question of mine, I would find a new doctor. Your doctor should have taken the time to explain that to you, not leaving you to go ask your BMB.

MPLSdesigner · October 2012

Calling to schedule my flu shot was one of the first things I did when I got the BFP. I guess I feel that the benefits really outweigh the risks with this plus a nurse friend of mine who is 20 weeks pregnant who was telling me she was one of the first people in line to get one as she has a "feeling" this could be a 'bad flu season'.

blondie138 · October 2012

I got my flu shot today. My doctor said that's the old school thought on flu shots. The one at my OB's office is the one they give kids though, with no preservatives. He said it just calms people, but it's not needed. The preservatives won't danger the pregnancy or baby.

Dumbledore · October 2012

I am definitely getting it.

MoBlair · October 2012

No flu shot for me period.

tlafond82 · October 2012

Alliebooberz:
If my doctor even so much as smirked at a question of mine, I would find a new doctor. Your doctor should have taken the time to explain that to you, not leaving you to go ask your BMB.

Yes, I was not impressed since I'm sure a brief explanation would have eased my mind significantly. He's a great family doctor but I've asked to be referred to an OB :-) Seeing as this is our first pregnancy I'm sure we'll have lots of questions and just knowing that an OB is a specialist will eliminate any doubts we may encounter. I also have the feeling that an OB might be a bit more thorough...

Kelli3 · October 2012

LizC216:
Wish82:
I got mine today. I emailed my dr to see what their recommendation was. They prefer pregnant women go ahead be it get it. Some say wait till 2nd tri, but that seems to be an old way of thinking.

My doctor said the same thing. I got mine today.

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