FLU SHOT ;-(

RondackHiker · October 2013

abrinkley07 said:
Why do you all read the nasty answers then to act like no one got shitty with me. Not all but most of you are nasty people.

Please show me where people were shitty. You can use the quote button.

No one was shitty. I just read the thread.

ShePersisted · October 2013

Sorry apparently your winky smiley is a sad winky smiley so that does not imply that you knew you would get strong reactions.

People only bother to respond because they are here as a community and want to give good advice based on experiences. Do you really think we all sit here just waiting to get nasty as soon as a stupid question is asked? Yes I said stupid!! Because when it comes to your health you are looking on the internet for answers without research and proper discussion with your OB. And when people are offering you science based responses your abusing them? At least if you don't agree and you say that and it's acceptable but your just being rude because you don't see that the intent behind each response is to HELP YOU.

Chereen · October 2013

formaldehyde is an ingredient in the common flu shot and is a known carcinogen. Another ingredient in the flu shot, thimerosal, contains mercury, which is known to impair neurological and immune systems. There are detergents, antibiotics, chemicals and allergens like polysorbate-80 that causes infertility.

Influenza A has 250 plus strains. Influenza B has 75-100 strains. The CDC chooses 3-5 strains of each type every year to make the flu shots. So they have to guess and be correct about which strain will be dominate. They are not always right.

Studies show that it really only prevents the flu 6% of the time in healthy adults.

To answer some questions :
No, I do not pump my own gas. I currently do not drive at the moment for insurance reasons.

I cook healthy meals at home. Maybe once a month I eat out.

Yes, I am aware people do not wash their hands. This is why I don't put my hands in my mouth hand I wash them.

I am just personally not comfortable with injecting it into my adult body. Nor am I comfortable with my LO's tiny body getting any of these chemicals.

I don't judge people who eat mcdonalds or let their children eat it. Even tho we all know all of the crap they put in their "food "

Lastly my nurse also told me that she has never gotten the flu shot ( 3 kids later) and she is not comfortable wit it either.

magentawarped · October 2013

Okay, yes, there was a bit of snark because, as previous posters have mentioned, the flu shot has been discussed at length. In all seriousness, get the flu shot! Side effects from the current flu shot are extremely rare. Adverse effects from the flu can be deadly to both you and your baby. Don't let the fact that you felt picked on cause you to make a really stupid life decision.

RondackHiker · October 2013

@chereen

Do you eat pears? Do you eat tuna?

They don't "guess". They research.

Can you show me the studies that shows it only prevent flu 6% of the time?

Also, listing off ingredients doesn't mean a lot. There are levels at which those ingredients cause harm and levels at which they don't. Things like water are deadly in the right amounts.

The amount in the shot is not dangerous.

TessyMessy · October 2013

OP to answer your question, yes I am getting a flu shot. I also wanted to point out that there are several kinds of flu shots available. Most OB's have a preservative free version which does not contain thimerosal. Here's some reading from the CDC, a reputable source:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Do the 2013-2014 seasonal flu vaccines contain thimerosal?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several formulations of the seasonal flu vaccine, including multi-dose vials and single-dose units. (See Table of Approved Influenza Vaccines for the U.S. 2013–2014 Season.) Since seasonal influenza vaccine is produced in large quantities for annual immunization campaigns, some of the vaccine is produced in multi-dose vials, and contains thimerosal to safeguard against possible contamination of the vial once it is opened.

The single-dose units are made without thimerosal as a preservative because they are intended to be opened and used only once. Additionally, the live-attenuated version of the vaccine (the nasal spray vaccine), is produced in single-dose units and does not contain thimerosal.

Is thimerosal being used in other vaccines?

Since 2001, no new vaccine licensed by FDA for use in children has contained thimerosal as a preservative, and all vaccines routinely recommended by CDC for children younger than 6 years of age have been thimerosal-free, or contain only trace amounts of thimerosal, except for multi-dose formulations of influenza vaccine. The most recent and rigorous scientific research does not support the argument that thimerosal-containing vaccines are harmful. However, CDC and FDA continually evaluate new scientific information about the safety of vaccines.

Is thimerosal in vaccines safe?

Yes. There is a large body of scientific evidence on the safety of thimerosal. Data from several studies show the low doses of thimerosal in vaccines do not cause harm, and are only associated with minor local injection site reactions like redness and swelling at the injection site.

Three U.S. health agencies (The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH)) have reviewed the published research on thimerosal and found it to be a safe product to use in vaccines. Three independent organizations [The National Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Medicine, Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)] reviewed the published research and also found thimerosal to be a safe product to use in vaccines. The medical community supports the use of thimerosal in influenza vaccines to protect against potential bacterial contamination of multi-dose vials.

Is thimerosal in vaccines linked to autism?

Numerous studies have found no association between thimerosal exposure and autism. CDC places a high priority on vaccine safety, surveillance, and research. CDC is aware that the presence of the preservative thimerosal in vaccines and allegations of a relationship to autism have raised public concerns. These concerns have made decisions surrounding vaccinations confusing and difficult for some people. Since 2001, no new vaccine licensed by FDA for use in children has contained thimerosal as a preservative and all vaccines routinely recommended by CDC for children younger than 6 years of age have been thimerosal-free, or contain only trace amounts of thimerosal, except for some formulations of influenza vaccine. Unfortunately, reductions in the numbers of children identified with autism have not been observed indicating that the cause of autism is not related to a single exposure such as thimerosal.

Firefly9 · October 2013

Chereen said:

formaldehyde is an ingredient in the common flu shot and is a known carcinogen. Another ingredient in the flu shot, thimerosal, contains mercury, which is known to impair neurological and immune systems. There are detergents, antibiotics, chemicals and allergens like polysorbate-80 that causes infertility. Influenza A has 250 plus strains. Influenza B has 75-100 strains. The CDC chooses 3-5 strains of each type every year to make the flu shots. So they have to guess and be correct about which strain will be dominate. They are not always right. Studies show that it really only prevents the flu 6% of the time in healthy adults. .

Seriously. Have you READ the comments in this post? Did you read all the info about how the levels of formaldehyde and other things in vaccinations are NOT AN ISSUE.

Chereen · October 2013

Yes I did read everything other posters said. Just because something may not be of concern to someone else doesn't mean it isn't a concern to me. Idc if the cdc says those levels are fine. If I inject a flu shot for the next 30 years who's to say they all won't add up and increase my risk of MS or Alzheimer's or ALS.

I can't post a link I'm in mobile. But this is from a Drs. Website that Supports getting the flu shot.
In a review of 48 reports including more than 66,000 adults, “Vaccination of healthy adults only reduced risk of influenza by 6% and reduced the number of missed work days by less than one day (0.16) days. It did not change the number of people needing to go to hospital or take time off work.”
Reference: “Vaccines for preventing influenza in healthy adults.” The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 1 (2006).

I actually don't eat meat at all and no I haven't had a pair in years. I do not eat fast foods.

I'm am not trying to argue as I really love you ladies. It's just a personal decision.

Beddy13 · October 2013

Never had one and not planning to as I'm allergic to eggs . I was working last pregnancy and didn't get sick , I'm hoping the same this time around ( not working this pregnancy ) .

Chereen · October 2013

I will also add that I have the same opinion with the TDAP shot. But I DID get one. So I'm not the worst soon to be mom.

TessyMessy · October 2013

Chereen said:

Yes I did read everything other posters said. Just because something may not be of concern to someone else doesn't mean it isn't a concern to me. Idc if the cdc says those levels are fine. If I inject a flu shot for the next 30 years who's to say they all won't add up and increase my risk of MS or Alzheimer's or ALS. I can't post a link I'm in mobile. But this is from a Drs. Website that Supports getting the flu shot. In a review of 48 reports including more than 66,000 adults, “Vaccination of healthy adults only reduced risk of influenza by 6% and reduced the number of missed work days by less than one day (0.16) days. It did not change the number of people needing to go to hospital or take time off work.” Reference: “Vaccines for preventing influenza in healthy adults.” The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 1 (2006). I actually don't eat meat at all and no I haven't had a pair in years. I do not eat fast foods. I'm am not trying to argue as I really love you ladies. It's just a personal decision.

https://drtenpenny.com/the-truth-about-the-flu-shot/

RondackHiker · October 2013

Chereen said:
Yes I did read everything other posters said. Just because something may not be of concern to someone else doesn't mean it isn't a concern to me. Idc if the cdc says those levels are fine. If I inject a flu shot for the next 30 years who's to say they all won't add up and increase my risk of MS or Alzheimer's or ALS.

I can't post a link I'm in mobile. But this is from a Drs. Website that Supports getting the flu shot.
In a review of 48 reports including more than 66,000 adults, “Vaccination of healthy adults only reduced risk of influenza by 6% and reduced the number of missed work days by less than one day (0.16) days. It did not change the number of people needing to go to hospital or take time off work.”
Reference: “Vaccines for preventing influenza in healthy adults.” The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 1 (2006).

I actually don't eat meat at all and no I haven't had a pair in years. I do not eat fast foods.

I'm am not trying to argue as I really love you ladies. It's just a personal decision.

Your body makes formaldehyde.

It's also in carrots. All the things in vaccines? You get way more exposure in your day to day life. Take a deep breath right now. More formaldehyde!

CarynJeanG · October 2013

Beddy13 said:
Never had one and not planning to as I'm allergic to eggs . I was working last pregnancy and didn't get sick , I'm hoping the same this time around ( not working this pregnancy ) .

My sister is allergic to the flu shot as well. That is why it is extremely important for everyone else to get it so they don't put others at risk.

Dawizzle · October 2013

I'm really kind of perturbed by the folks not getting a shot or not considering it.

What are you going to do if you get the flu? It IS pretty common, after all--this is not some rare illness that no one ever gets.

We're all immuno-compromised right now and if you did get it, it wouldn't be pretty. You could end up hospitalized or putting your baby in danger. Are you just blocking that possibility out of your brain?

What if you get the flu AFTER your baby is born? Then you'd be totally sidelined and unable to take care of your newborn yourself without either a. risking your health even more trying to tough it out or b. risking giving it to your newborn.

Honestly, the real risks outweigh the perceived risks here by a zillion to one. I never got one in the past as I have a pretty tough immune system and rarely get sick, but I got one this year as I know my body is not the same and my immune system is suppressed so it's far easier to contract things. Even if you supposedly never leave your sani-safe bubble of a house. Your freaking mailman could have the flu and you'd get it just by getting your cable bill from your mailbox in the morning. The guy who stocks the milk at the grocery store could have it, etc.

rebeccaanne7 · October 2013

Got my flu shot today, inactive and preservative free. I usually don't get the flu shot, but because of the baby's weakened immune system, I found it to be a no brainer. The partially active, "weakened", vaccine is administered through the nostrils, so you know if you're getting that. I chose the preservative free after doing some research through the CDC and talking to a couple friends who are virologists / microbiologists.

Firefly9 · October 2013

Here we go again.
In response to the 6% effective thing, a study of Moscow factories and absentee rates due to flu:
"Nevertheless, while absenteeism due to influenza and the number of working days lost due to flu increased slightly in the non-vaccinated factory, 87% coverage of the workforce in the vaccinated factory was associated with over an 80% reduction in flu-related absenteeism and work days lost compared to the previous, non-vaccinated year. Despite the limitations of this retrospective analysis, the available data certainly support a clear impact of influenza vaccination on influenza-related absenteeism."
-- Susan C Wood, Alexeı̈ Alexseiv, Van Hung Nguyen, Effectiveness and economical impact of vaccination against influenza among a working population in Moscow, Vaccine, Volume 17, Supplement 3, 29 October 1999, Pages S81-S87, ISSN 0264-410X, https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0264-410X(99)00299-6. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264410X99002996)

As for getting the flu shot while pregnant,
"Our model, which synthesizes the most recent evidence on seasonal influenza in pregnancy and early infancy, suggests that universal vaccination of pregnant women substantially reduces morbidity and death from influenza in pregnant and postpartum women and infants who <6 months old at a cost that is comparable with other recommended vaccines that are used in adolescents and adults.^{49,
60 and 61}"
--Evan R. Myers, Derek A. Misurski, Geeta K. Swamy, Influence of timing of seasonal influenza vaccination on effectiveness and cost-effectiveness in pregnancy, American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Volume 204, Issue 6, Supplement, June 2011, Pages S128-S140, ISSN 0002-9378, https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2011.04.009. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002937811004558)

ETA: Major formatting issues.

Firefly9 · October 2013

I will admit that this is pretty much the first time I've ever gotten the flu shot. I'm very, very pro-vaccination, just have never done the flu shot before. Not because I was afraid of anything in it, just wasn't motivated. Being pregnant and having a newborn during peak flu season is completely different, especially since I work with germy college kids who live crammed into dorms and don't wash their hands.

Meghan14 · October 2013

OP I'm sorry you felt ganged up on, but I think people wanted to give you the best advice they could.

I have never gotten the flu shot before. In my entire life I've only had the flu once and so never worried. I always figure why put something in my body if I don't have to. So I understand your concerns with it.

But guess what? Now I have to. Getting the flu while pregnant would suck. A high fever could be very dangerous. Having the flu with a newborn would suck. So that made up my mind for me. And when my Dr said it can potentially pass the benefits on to baby I was sold. I'll probably do it next year too to help protect LO.

This is a serious issue and credible research supports doing it. That's why the ladies reacted so strongly.

My arm hurts

Chereen · October 2013

The use of the flu shot rises and falls quite a bit. Yet the mortality rate due to the flu does not rise and fall with the usage rates. In 2004 the vaccination rate was down 40%. You would expect the mortality rate (of the flu) to increase because of this. It did not. It remained the same.

SuzyQq02 · October 2013

Chereen said:

The use of the flu shot rises and falls quite a bit. Yet the mortality rate due to the flu does not rise and fall with the usage rates. In 2004 the vaccination rate was down 40%. You would expect the mortality rate (of the flu) to increase because of this. It did not. It remained the same.

But the vaccine utilization rate was way down because of a shortage in the vaccine due to a production failure. Because of this, the vaccine was "rationed" and really only offered to high risk populations, which includes pregnant women. So even if mortality rates remained relatively flat, that may be due as much to a public health mechanism that did its job by protecting the vulnerable.

Firefly9 · October 2013

Chereen said:

The use of the flu shot rises and falls quite a bit. Yet the mortality rate due to the flu does not rise and fall with the usage rates. In 2004 the vaccination rate was down 40%. You would expect the mortality rate (of the flu) to increase because of this. It did not. It remained the same.

Source, please.

azzyberry · October 2013

Stophoney said:

Chereen said:

Yes I did read everything other posters said. Just because something may not be of concern to someone else doesn't mean it isn't a concern to me. Idc if the cdc says those levels are fine. If I inject a flu shot for the next 30 years who's to say they all won't add up and increase my risk of MS or Alzheimer's or ALS. I can't post a link I'm in mobile. But this is from a Drs. Website that Supports getting the flu shot. In a review of 48 reports including more than 66,000 adults, “Vaccination of healthy adults only reduced risk of influenza by 6% and reduced the number of missed work days by less than one day (0.16) days. It did not change the number of people needing to go to hospital or take time off work.” Reference: “Vaccines for preventing influenza in healthy adults.” The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 1 (2006). I actually don't eat meat at all and no I haven't had a pair in years. I do not eat fast foods. I'm am not trying to argue as I really love you ladies. It's just a personal decision.
https://drtenpenny.com/the-truth-about-the-flu-shot/

I hardly think a Dr. who is the co-author of Vaccine Epidemic: How Corporate Greed, Biased Science, and Coercive Government Threaten Our Human Rights, Our Health, and Our Children is a reliable source to get unbiased and accurate information regarding vaccines.

Codypup · October 2013

I never get flu shots, but opted to this year because I am pregnant. My doctor told me "women who get the flu while pregnant are 5 times as likely to die, compared to non-pregnant women who get the flu."

This is a direct quote. I wasn't willing to take that chance.

TessyMessy · October 2013

azzyberry said:

Stophoney said:

Chereen said:

Yes I did read everything other posters said. Just because something may not be of concern to someone else doesn't mean it isn't a concern to me. Idc if the cdc says those levels are fine. If I inject a flu shot for the next 30 years who's to say they all won't add up and increase my risk of MS or Alzheimer's or ALS. I can't post a link I'm in mobile. But this is from a Drs. Website that Supports getting the flu shot. In a review of 48 reports including more than 66,000 adults, “Vaccination of healthy adults only reduced risk of influenza by 6% and reduced the number of missed work days by less than one day (0.16) days. It did not change the number of people needing to go to hospital or take time off work.” Reference: “Vaccines for preventing influenza in healthy adults.” The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 1 (2006). I actually don't eat meat at all and no I haven't had a pair in years. I do not eat fast foods. I'm am not trying to argue as I really love you ladies. It's just a personal decision.
https://drtenpenny.com/the-truth-about-the-flu-shot/

I hardly think a Dr. who is the co-author of Vaccine Epidemic: How Corporate Greed, Biased Science, and Coercive Government Threaten Our Human Rights, Our Health, and Our Children is a reliable source to get unbiased and accurate information regarding vaccines.

Agreed. Also not an infectious disease doctor nor does she currently practice medicine. I don't like to take medical stats from a dot com.

Dawizzle · October 2013

@azzyberry - maybe it is to someone who doesn't care what the CDC has to say about communicable diseases?

Sorry, couldn't resist that one...

ziggy903 · October 2013

Dawizzle said:
@azzyberry - maybe it is to someone who doesn't care what the CDC has to say about communicable diseases?

Sorry, couldn't resist that one...

Buuuuurn

Chereen · October 2013

@dawizzle there is no need to try to be rude. Get over your self. I am a supportive member of this community. I pray for all the women who are going through scarry times in their pregnancies. I may not be the most active but I am supportive. I can not give you the virus virally (pun intended) so stop trying to be snarky. It is a Personal decision. It is your personal decision to get the vaccine and I don't try to make a rude ass comment towards you or any of the other women. It's just a fucking flu shot so get the hell over it. I got the TDAP just not the flu shot.

Firefly9 · October 2013

Firefly9 said:

Chereen said:

The use of the flu shot rises and falls quite a bit. Yet the mortality rate due to the flu does not rise and fall with the usage rates. In 2004 the vaccination rate was down 40%. You would expect the mortality rate (of the flu) to increase because of this. It did not. It remained the same.

Source, please.

Actually, I think you are half right here---but this applies to elderly. However, the two articles I'm reading talk about how the studies done on influenza mortality and elderly have been flawed and biased, so there's no concrete evidence either way. The studies say the vaccine effectiveness declines after age 70, so the argument doesn't work in the pregnant lady/newborn stages we are in (unless someone here is over 70....???).

The two studies I'm looking at:
Simonsen, Lone, et al. "Mortality Benefits of Influenza Vaccination in Elderly People: An Ongoing Controversy." The Lancet Infectious Diseases 7.10 (2007): 658-66. ProQuest. Web. 25 Oct. 2013.
and

Lone Simonsen, Cecile Viboud, Robert J. Taylor, Mark A. Miller, Lisa Jackson, Influenza vaccination and mortality benefits: New insights, new opportunities, Vaccine, Volume 27, Issue 45, 23 October 2009, Pages 6300-6304, ISSN 0264-410X, https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2009.07.008. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264410X09010056)

rachaelmary · October 2013

I think I accidentally flagged someone but not sure who...I'm on mobile and was just scrolling...sorry to whoever it was! Wasn't intentional!

rachaelmary · October 2013

SgrRay929 said:

rachaelmary said:

I think I accidentally flagged someone but not sure who...I'm on mobile and was just scrolling...sorry to whoever it was! Wasn't intentional!

Nope, @rachaelmary! No flag, no worries.

Oh good! Thanks!

Chereen · October 2013

I am concerned that even tho these levels of mercury, formaldehyde, chemicals etc may be "safe" for me they are not safe for the tiny unborn child inside of me.

I've never gotten the flu. I take excellent care of my body. My dr and nurse weren't concerned that I wasn't getting the shot. You swear like I will get the flu if I don't get the shot.

Once again it is MY CHOICE not to receive one. Get over it.

mythaldo · October 2013

Chereen said:

I am concerned that even tho these levels of mercury, formaldehyde, chemicals etc may be "safe" for me they are not safe for the tiny unborn child inside of me.

Again this appears to be your assumption, completely baseless without accurate scientific representation. There are countless resources that show that the flu is not safe for an unborn child.

It's your choice, but when you actually look at the evidence for both arguments and weigh the risks against the benefits, you will see that the benefits of preventing the flu outweigh the risks associated with the shot.

safora33 · October 2013

If you don't want it, don't get it!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VzITIDQdds

coffeyandyogapants · October 2013

Boy, that escalated quickly ....
Sorry u felt ganged up on

it is definitely a personal decision, although i do agree its important while pregnant. But no one should make u feel like complete crap if u disagree.

Winnieella · October 2013

I read through all of this while being sick....all I have is this

Reneej918 · October 2013

The flu shot takes 2 weeks to get into your system and protect against the flu. Therefore, if you get the flu shot you can still get the flu for 2 weeks! Get it early!!!

Chereen · October 2013

I was aware of how the majority of the board feels. However I am also entitled to my opinion. I feel some women have said things a bit rudely. As I have already stated I love this board and the women on it. and I am not trying to argue with anyone.

It's just a flu shot. Again, I got my TDAP shot. I do not feel like an irresponsible mother.

coffeyandyogapants · October 2013

I get that, obviously people have strong opinions on it, but i do think people got a little ridiculous, it was more then just sharing opinions. Just saying, it got uncomfortable

bellamatson · October 2013

Popping in from another board.

I have been in the hospital due to what started as an upper respiratory infection and then got pneumonia. I'm due early January. I should have got the flu shot! I hate needles, but the one needle from the shot def. beats the multiple blood tests, IV fluid pokes and tubes in my nose.

Joansmith1128 · October 2013

I think it depends on ur situation. I dont plan to get it. I work from home so Im not around anyone all day. If I worked in a preschool or hospital, Id get it.

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FLU SHOT ;-(

Re: FLU SHOT ;-(

Do the 2013-2014 seasonal flu vaccines contain thimerosal?

Is thimerosal being used in other vaccines?

Is thimerosal in vaccines safe?

Is thimerosal in vaccines linked to autism?

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