S/O Flu shot: w/ or w/o preservative

wedbliss5 · October 2013

I know there was a post a while back about getting the preservative-free shot and it was mentioned that it doesn't have thermisol, but it does, in fact, have formaldehyde (the pear comparison reminded me). When it comes down to it, does it really matter which one you get? My MW didn't say anything to me about which one to get so I wouldn't know the preservative-free one was even offered if it wasn't for you wonderful ladies. Which one are you getting or did you get?

nbbride06 · October 2013

Most OBs recommend the preservative free shot so I'd go with that one. It's also the one recommended for children. That's the one I got and it's actually the one I get every year as does DH.

bethughknee · October 2013

I got the normal shot. The CDC says the thimerosal isn't dangerous and I believe them.

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/thimerosal.htm

As far as formaldehyde, your body makes several times more than what's in a vaccine already. FDA info: https://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccines/SafetyAvailability/VaccineSafety/ucm187810.htm

wedbliss5 · October 2013

@nbbride06 - I feel so flu-shot ignorant! I'm normally a Flumist person so I can avoid the needle all together. Thanks!

bethughknee · October 2013

wedbliss5 said:

@nbbride06 - I feel so flu-shot ignorant! I'm normally a Flumist person so I can avoid the needle all together. Thanks!

I'm the opposite.

I put up with the needle and residual soreness because I prefer the inactive vaccine. Different strokes!

lmills730 · October 2013

My MW said that most places will offer the preservative-free option because it makes people feel more comfortable, but that there isn't any conclusive research that the other option is any different in its effects on you. I am going to get the preservative-free at my next appt because they offer it.

holly142 · October 2013

My Ob said to get the preservative-free shot and definitely don't get the nasal spray while pregnant.

Summer889 · October 2013

My MW also said there's no evidence that thimerosal is dangerous during pregnancy, and the CDC says the same. But at the same time, they took it out of all vaccines given to children under 6 over concerns about mercury. So just to be safe, I got the thimerosal free one. They had it at my local Walgreens, but call first to ask since not all pharmacies have it. It was $30.

KimberlyTX · October 2013

My experience has been that once they know you're pregnant, the pharmacist or nurse will use the preservative-free shot. But I know it needs to be one that does not contain the live virus (so no flumist).

apickett925 · October 2013

Mine was thermisol free, but only because that's what my OB's office had and offered me at my last appointment.

BuckeyeANG · October 2013

I have no idea which one I got. Since I got it at my OBs office I just rolled up my sleeve and let her poke me with whatever

Firefly9 · October 2013

I did a response earlier for a flu shot post over on 2nd tri asking about formaldehyde citing lots of reliable sources. I won't c/p everything here, you can go read it if you want, but the levels of formaldehyde in flu vaccinations are absolutely nothing to worry about.

wedbliss5 · October 2013

I did a response earlier for a flu shot post over on 2nd tri asking about formaldehyde citing lots of reliable sources. I won't c/p everything here, you can go read it if you want, but the levels of formaldehyde in flu vaccinations are absolutely nothing to worry about.

Thats what I figured, but I've heard the same thing about Thermisol, so I wasn't sure if it REALLY mattered which we got. I guess I still sort of feel like the preservative free one is more just to make people feel better as opposed to actually BEING better. And I wanted to know if I went someone where that only had one type if it was worth driving elsewhere to get it. Thanks everyone!

mrspharmd · October 2013

KimberlyTX said:
My experience has been that once they know you're pregnant, the pharmacist or nurse will use the preservative-free shot. But I know it needs to be one that does not contain the live virus (so no flumist).

From a pharmacist perspective, I don't agree with this. At my pharmacy, we only stock the multi dose vials that contain a preservative. We have no other option immediately available. So if you want a flu shot from me, you're getting the one with a preservative.

Voice your concerns beforehand and don't just assume we have both options.

LexGator · October 2013

I got the preservative-free per my OB's recommendation. She said getting the preservative shot wouldn't do any harm, but since there's a preservative-free option, it's what's recommended.

mrspharmd · October 2013

People, it's thimerosal, not "thermisol".

wedbliss5 · October 2013

aneubecker said:

People, it's thimerosal, not "thermisol".

Sorry... major offender here! Please forgive me!

mrspharmd · October 2013

wedbliss5 said:

aneubecker said:

People, it's thimerosal, not "thermisol".

Sorry... major offender here! Please forgive me!

You're fine, just a huge pet peeve of mine

HappyDoc · October 2013

I got mine about 2 weeks ago and I honestly don't know which one I got. A nurse at my OB's office gave it to me, so I figured they would pick the one they considered the best alternative.

Firefly9 · October 2013

When I asked my OB if I needed a "special" flu shot for being pregnant, they said no. So, I got whatever one the pharmacy on campus stocks.

moosebaby2011 · October 2013

Both my OB's office and my primary doctor recommend the preservative free, so that's what I got. It wouldn't have bothered me to get the regular kind, though.

kw42775 · October 2013

I just went to Walgreens and got mine (like a hour ago)...my doctor gave me a "prescription" of sorts for the shot and the TDAP. I'm not sure which flu shot it specified, though...

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