Did you get a flu shot?

ElTrain5 · December 2013

SarainColorado2013 said:

Here's some interesting studies:

Getting the flu during pregnancy increases your baby's chance of developing bipolar disorder by 400%: https://archpsyc.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1686037.

Getting the flu during pregnancy increases odds of schizophrenia too: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20123911

Flu during pregnancy associated with fetal death, risk declines with vaccination: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1207210

Flu vaccine during pregnancy associated with better birth outcomes: https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/abs/10.2105/AJPH.2011.300606?journalCode=ajph&&

Honestly, why wouldn't you?

From the first: Interesting, but I can't (and shouldn't) draw any conclusions from an un-replicated study that only had 214 participants.
From the second: I couldn't figure out how to get past the abstract, but it sounds like this is still a hypothetical (as in not proven at all)?
From the third: "The risk of fetal death was reduced with vaccination during pregnancy, although this reduction was not significant (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.66 to 1.17)."
From the fourth: Definiltey a solid study with interesting results. However this applies only to H1N1 (which, to be fair, is included in the flu shot today, however the results would only apply to H1N1 infections specifically).
Thank you for posting though! Hopefully I can find similar studies related to more common strains on influenza...it's just surprising they aren't easier to find.
Edited for spacing

supgabs · December 2013

I never had before so I'm not going to start now. I just take my vitamins and wash my hands and havent gotten the flu in many, many years.

zolastele · December 2013

I did. I had a terrible flu a couple of years ago and have gotten the shot every year since. I can't imagine being pregnant and having the flu, plus worrying about the baby. IMO, there's no reason not to do it, as I have never had a bad reaction and it was doctor-recommended. So far, I have been flu-free every year I've gotten the shot, and I hope it stays that way!

SarainColorado2013 · December 2013

@Eltrain5
Yes, all studies have their limitations. Still there is a LOT of evidence pointing to the flu as dangerous during pregnancy and the vaccine as protective.

Here's an article on the schizophrenia link...I'm no expert on this but found it interesting: https://psychcentral.com/news/2010/08/13/how-flu-during-pregnancy-increases-risk-for-schizophrenia-in-offspring/16769.html

I think a lot of research was done on H1N1 because it was novel, and I bet research dollars were devoted to it moreso than other strains. It's not an unreasonable idea to think that physiological responses to other strains would be similar, but you are right that we can't totally generalize these findings. I'll do a little more digging when I have some time to see what else is out there.

ElTrain5 · December 2013

I'm going to have to look up the actual study on that later, sounds very interesting indeed! Particularly the link between immune response/stress/ and fetal brain development. Thanks for linking

curlylocks3 · December 2013

I can't wait until we all start hitting 28 weeks and we can have all these debates again about the tdap vaccine....

mrsedwards8812 · December 2013

I, typically, never get it. I've never seen a point. While I do tend to get sick rather easily, I hardly ever get the actual flu.

I'm considering it this year though. Not only because I'm pregnant but also because my son also gets sick somewhat easily, he's in a public middle school, and was recently diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, so his doctors are strongly suggesting it for him. I'm considering getting it done with him.

allrightmeow · December 2013

I got one. She has been my doctor for a long time and she is a straight up lady. If she didn't think it was needed she would not have suggested it.

ElTrain5 · December 2013

curlylocks3 said:

I can't wait until we all start hitting 28 weeks and we can have all these debates again about the tdap vaccine....

At least pertussis research is a crapload easier to find that flu research!

iris427 · December 2013

I have never had the flu either (and to clarify, I am talking about influenza, not your run of the mill cough, cold or stomach virus that people often confuse with the flu). That doesn't mean I will never get it in the future. Or that my pregnant immune system is somehow super special and all those studies on how pregnancy weakens the immune system magically don't apply to me. A healthy friend of mine in her twenties, not pregnant, got the flu last year and it laid her out for weeks and she ended up with pnuemonia. This is someone young with no risk factors. I just don't understand the logic that getting sick only happens to other people, especially when you have a known risk factor and flu could cause serious problems or even death for your unborn child.

AllyTales · December 2013

joules235 said:

curlylocks3 said:

I can't wait until we all start hitting 28 weeks and we can have all these debates again about the tdap vaccine....

There is a pretty big difference between a shot that sometimes protects against a few of the thousands of viral strains of an illness v.s. a vaccine that protects, with a very high success rate, against 3 bacterial infections, 1 bacteria per infection. I stepped on a nail last year that went most of the way though my foot and I got the tdap shot. Clear problem with a clear solution. Plus I am quite allergic to most antibiotics so bacterial infections are very unappealing to me.

Agreed, I'm VERY pro vaccinations. Flu shot is different.

As with anything similar to this- the people who are pro flu shot will get it, and the people who aren't.. won't. Typically, minds will not change on either side. It's kinda pointless to argue. Unless someone is in the middle and doesn't know if they want to, and want facts. The people on both sides that are for or against won't really come out of this any differently than they came in.

MrsCase1 · December 2013

I did because my doctor recommended it. Prior to hiring her I researched her and her stances on issues that matter to me. So, I trust her. Not blindly, but implicitly.

colllydon · December 2013

Mrs Case said:
I did because my doctor recommended it. Prior to hiring her I researched her and her stances on issues that matter to me. So, I trust her. Not blindly, but implicitly.

This. I looked at the benefits vs the risks and I chose to do it. I had the flu last year and I can't imagine going through it pregnant. To each their own though! I do not judge anyone's way of getting through pregnancy, giving birth or parenting, as long as it doesn't harm my child or myself do what works for you!

diagonalley · December 2013

iris427 said:

I have never had the flu either (and to clarify, I am talking about influenza, not your run of the mill cough, cold or stomach virus that people often confuse with the flu). That doesn't mean I will never get it in the future. Or that my pregnant immune system is somehow super special and all those studies on how pregnancy weakens the immune system magically don't apply to me. A healthy friend of mine in her twenties, not pregnant, got the flu last year and it laid her out for weeks and she ended up with pnuemonia. This is someone young with no risk factors. I just don't understand the logic that getting sick only happens to other people, especially when you have a known risk factor and flu could cause serious problems or even death for your unborn child.

There's no guarantee that you won't get the flu even with the shot. And there are risk factors with any type of shot. Sure, they may be in the vast minority, but I would also think a severe problem or even the death of your unborn child would also be in the minority, otherwise my doctor would have told me to get it. My logic is that I don't feel the need to inject myself with something that may or may not prevent me from getting sick, but could also have other side effects. I don't expect you to understand my logic, because it's my body, not yours. You do what you want, and I will do what I want

CherSomething · December 2013

Yes, it's important to. I had the midwifery administer it, & it was preservative-free. Think about it-- if you're afraid to get in a hot tub of water for a bath, you should be concerned about your baby in your 101+ degree body when you have flu... Plus dehydration... No brainer to me. I got immunized. It's not medication.

fsumom · December 2013

I'm still thinking about it. I'd prefer to get the preservative free nasal mist so I'd need to call around to see who is offering it.

Luna C · December 2013

There's no guarantee that you won't get the flu even with the shot. And there are risk factors with any type of shot. Sure, they may be in the vast minority, but I would also think a severe problem or even the death of your unborn child would also be in the minority, otherwise my doctor would have told me to get it. My logic is that I don't feel the need to inject myself with something that may or may not prevent me from getting sick, but could also have other side effects. I don't expect you to understand my logic, because it's my body, not yours. You do what you want, and I will do what I want

***

If you do get the flu after the shot, you will have a milder case, with fewer symptoms and recover faster.
Risk of miscarriage doubles in women with the flu. They are also at significantly increased risk for premature labor and maternal death. So, not really a "vast minority," like the roughly one in 300 who get a bit of swelling at the injection site. Unless you consider minor swelling to be a bigger problem than miscarriage, this is not a valid comparison.
There are no other side effects. None. NONE.
You're not using "logic" you're using "feelings." They are not the same.
And if your doctor really didn't recommend it, you're seeing a shitty doctor.

CherSomething · December 2013

fsumom said:

I'm still thinking about it. I'd prefer to get the preservative free nasal mist so I'd need to call around to see who is offering it.

As far as I know, I could be wrong, you cannot get the nasal mist while pregnant because nasal mist contains a live virus, they won't, or they shouldn't administer it to you. However, the shot is not a live virus.

I got the shot because I don't want to risk getting the flu while pregnant… Also the military requires me to.

So since I had to, I got it through my midwife rather than the military clinic. I trust the midwifery more. I like that they gave me the preservative free since that is the immunization ingredient that I'm personally not comfortable with. It isn't the dead virus that is a concern--it's the other crap they put in it. So I'm glad I skipped CVS, and that my dose was preservative free. (although CVS's is probably safe, too).

Anyway, that's my personal take on it, you do what you want. If you are comfortable with not immunizing, it's your life and your baby, and I sincerely hope you do not contract the flu.

b48kate · December 2013

I always get it. Actually I got the nasal mist version before I knew I was pregnant. I like to get the live virus, since the immunity tends to last longer. That won't be an option for you as a known pregnant person, but it gives you an idea of how much I believe in the principles behind "artificially acquired active immunity".

I'm a hospital based RN and had immune compromised patients dying from complications related to influenza last year. It was bad in 2012. Some of those people had even been vaccinated - scary. This year I haven't had a single positive influenza with anyone who has been vaccinated.

This years vaccine is actually a quadravalient vaccine (protects against four strains of the virus) and appears, thus far, to be a pretty good one. The CDC does make a prediction each year as to which strains will be promininent and some years they are better than others. This year appears to be one where they are getting it right.

Just an observation from the front line.

fsumom · December 2013

CherSomething said:

fsumom said:

I'm still thinking about it. I'd prefer to get the preservative free nasal mist so I'd need to call around to see who is offering it.

As far as I know, I could be wrong, you cannot get the nasal mist while pregnant because nasal mist contains a live virus, they won't, or they shouldn't administer it to you. However, the shot is not a live virus.

I got the shot because I don't want to risk getting the flu while pregnant… Also the military requires me to. So since I had to, I got it through my midwife rather than the military clinic. I trust the midwifery more. I like that they gave me the preservative free since that is the immunization ingredient that I'm personally not comfortable with. It isn't the dead virus that is a concern--it's the other crap they put in it. So I'm glad I skipped CVS, and that my dose was preservative free. (although CVS's is probably safe, too).

Anyway, that's my personal take on it, you do what you want. If you are comfortable with not immunizing, it's your life and your baby, and I sincerely hope you do not contract the flu.

Thanks for the info. I had no clue. I guess I should consider getting the regular shot then.

nicolemcm · December 2013

I always get it (never had the flu) and no different this year. I have worked in medical settings for the past few years, so it's been a requirement more or less. This is the first year I also insisted DH had it done as well as he's always declined previously.

becomingmommyagain · December 2013

I work at a hospital. Even though I'm in a non clinical setting and only see patients in the hallway, it's required. They grant very few exceptions and pregnancy is not one. There is a specific IM injection that they recommend for pregnancy because it's not a live virus.

diagonalley · December 2013

Luna C said:

There's no guarantee that you won't get the flu even with the shot. And there are risk factors with any type of shot. Sure, they may be in the vast minority, but I would also think a severe problem or even the death of your unborn child would also be in the minority, otherwise my doctor would have told me to get it. My logic is that I don't feel the need to inject myself with something that may or may not prevent me from getting sick, but could also have other side effects. I don't expect you to understand my logic, because it's my body, not yours. You do what you want, and I will do what I want
***
If you do get the flu after the shot, you will have a milder case, with fewer symptoms and recover faster.
Risk of miscarriage doubles in women with the flu. They are also at significantly increased risk for premature labor and maternal death. So, not really a "vast minority," like the roughly one in 300 who get a bit of swelling at the injection site. Unless you consider minor swelling to be a bigger problem than miscarriage, this is not a valid comparison.
There are no other side effects. None. NONE.
You're not using "logic" you're using "feelings." They are not the same.
And if your doctor really didn't recommend it, you're seeing a shitty doctor.

There are no other side effects? Are you serious? Sure, I saw on the news about a guy recently that came down with the flu and ended up dying. I have ALSO seen on the news a story about a young woman who got the flu shot and ended up paralyzed. I really don't need to justify my reasons to you, and I'm not really sure why you care? It doesn't effect you or your baby, so let me make my decisions, and you make yours. It doesn't matter what you say, you're not going to change my opinion. And it is completely asinine to think that because my doctor didn't recommend the flu shot that she's a shitty doctor. I already mentioned she is pregnant as well. I trust her judgement. Get off your high horse and preach to someone else, please.

Luna C · December 2013

MommyP710 said
There are no other side effects? Are you serious? Sure, I saw on the news about a guy recently that came down with the flu and ended up dying.

Dying from the flu is not dying from the vaccine.

I have ALSO seen on the news a story about a young woman who got the flu shot and ended up paralyzed.

This is literally impossible.

I really don't need to justify my reasons to you, and I'm not really sure why you care? It doesn't effect you or your baby, so let me make my decisions, and you make yours.

Actually, it does affect me and my baby and everyone else. Because people who believe in made up shit instead of science reduce herd immunity for people who can't get the vaccine or are at higher risk due to being immunocompromised. So yes, when I see people stating utter bullshit like it's proven fact, I get annoyed. Because the science behind vaccines is something you should have learned in roughly 5th grade.

flerlgirl · December 2013

Yes, DS can't get sick and I wanted to make sure he didn't get anything from me.

shellbell813 · December 2013

Luna C said:

MommyP710 said
There are no other side effects? Are you serious? Sure, I saw on the news about a guy recently that came down with the flu and ended up dying.

Dying from the flu is not dying from the vaccine.

I have ALSO seen on the news a story about a young woman who got the flu shot and ended up paralyzed.

This is literally impossible.

I really don't need to justify my reasons to you, and I'm not really sure why you care? It doesn't effect you or your baby, so let me make my decisions, and you make yours.

Actually, it does affect me and my baby and everyone else. Because people who believe in made up shit instead of science reduce herd immunity for people who can't get the vaccine or are at higher risk due to being immunocompromised. So yes, when I see people stating utter bullshit like it's proven fact, I get annoyed. Because the science behind vaccines is something you should have learned in roughly 5th grade.

Where is your science? If you are going to lecture about people talking about made up stuff, then you are obligated to provide factual evidence for the "not-made-up" stuff you are spouting out... You are coming across as very hypocritical. Sorry...

lellymine · December 2013

There was a 19yr old boy that recently died in my area. Not 24 hrs after getting the vaccine he got really sick and ended up in a coma. The family believes it was a reaction to the flu vaccine since he'd never had it before and the Drs couldn't agree on what killed him.

chloephoebecali · December 2013

Team flu shot here. If you are allergic, that's a no brainier that you wouldn't get it and I don't think anyone would disagree with that. As healthy as you are, if you ever leave your house to food shop, run errands, or work, you are at risk. If someone has it around you, you can catch it. Even if you don't go out, people can bring germs into your house. It's not a risk I want to take after experiencing it one year in college. I realize it's a personal decision, though.

diagonalley · December 2013

Luna C said:

MommyP710 said

There are no other side effects? Are you serious? Sure, I saw on the news about a guy recently that came down with the flu and ended up dying.

Dying from the flu is not dying from the vaccine.

I have ALSO seen on the news a story about a young woman who got the flu shot and ended up paralyzed.

This is literally impossible.

I really don't need to justify my reasons to you, and I'm not really sure why you care? It doesn't effect you or your baby, so let me make my decisions, and you make yours.

Actually, it does affect me and my baby and everyone else. Because people who believe in made up shit instead of science reduce herd immunity for people who can't get the vaccine or are at higher risk due to being immunocompromised. So yes, when I see people stating utter bullshit like it's proven fact, I get annoyed. Because the science behind vaccines is something you should have learned in roughly 5th grade.

You need to dial it down. We are talking about the FLU shot, not generally recommended vaccines. I believe somebody already mentioned there have not been studies on pregnant women. Also I said someone died from getting the flu, not the vaccine, so I am not sure why you repeated that? More people die from gunshots and accidents. Should we debate that, too? And how can you say it was literally impossible for someone to have such an adverse affect? Doctors confirmed it. Google it. I would include the info except that I am mobile right now. I am not sure what I have said that was utter bullshit. It comes down to a difference of opinion and you really need to accept that.

ElTrain5 · December 2013

@luna c. Seriously. Just tell me where you got the "double the chance of miscarriage stat."

chickpea912 · December 2013

I get it every year because of my asthma. No brainer. Given how horrible my lungs got after a regular cold this fall, I was just that much happier that I had the flu shot already. I've never gotten the flu. Could be coincidence. Or not. I'll never know, but at least I'm still breathing.

ElTrain5 · December 2013

I found one Norwegian study from 09 that found a possible connection with miscarriage but could not pinpoint a reason..."The mechanism connecting flu infection and increased fetal death risk is unknown..."

Soooo.....still waiting for the research showing the effects on the fetus. Which is, by the way, how I make my decisions. Research and medical advise from my providers.

It's part of the whole "not living in constant fear" you mentioned previously. If you've got good sources than post them. If not, fine, but don't mock those who choose to make choices based on the same "science" you are referencing.

mercy0606 · December 2013

I got mine at week 13 as my doctor recommended it! She insisted that a pregnant woman with the flu is at high risk for pneumonia. I managed to get a cold immediately after...

ElTrain5 · December 2013

Speaking of science, here's an interesting study https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa0708630
"Inactivated influenza vaccine (to the mother, during pregnancy) reduced proven influenza illness by 63% in infants up to 6 months of age and averted approximately a third of all febrile respiratory illnesses in mothers and young infants. "

Something to consider, since infants can't get vaccinated until 6 months and my LO will be in daycare at 3 months, heading into the start of next years flu season before he hits the 6 month mark.

Downside is, small study, 350 or so people. But I'm willing to bet this ones been replicated. Research on!

Luna C · December 2013

Jesus Christ, there are about a dozen links earlier in this thread. I'm not going to look up whether the Earth is round or flat for you either.

For starters, the Gizmodo article that someone else posted has over two dozen links to credible sources all refuting the BS spouted by the anti-science folks here.

Luna C · December 2013

lellymine said:

There was a 19yr old boy that recently died in my area. Not 24 hrs after getting the vaccine he got really sick and ended up in a coma. The family believes it was a reaction to the flu vaccine since he'd never had it before and the Drs couldn't agree on what killed him.

Distraught parents are not the most credible source of scientific info. Interesting that the people with actual training in that area don't seem to think it was the vaccine.

diagonalley · December 2013

Luna C said:
Jesus Christ, there are about a dozen links earlier in this thread. I'm not going to look up whether the Earth is round or flat for you either.

For starters, the Gizmodo article that someone else posted has over two dozen links to credible sources all refuting the BS spouted by the anti-science folks here.

Seriously you are being really rude. I am not sure how my personal decision makes me anti-science. Facts also include it is not 100% effective and doesn't include every strand of the flu, just those predicted to be a problem.

Luna C · December 2013

@luna c. Seriously. Just tell me where you got the "double the chance of miscarriage stat."

***

https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1207210

I was slightly off though. It "only" increases it 95%.

ElTrain5 · December 2013

Yeah....there really weren't though. There were a few that I addressed if u read through. Now you're just being straight up rude and this isn't an intelligent conversation. I'm still
Open to discussing research about the Issue to anyone who wants to.

Luna C · December 2013

MommyP710 said:
You need to dial it down. We are talking about the FLU shot, not generally recommended vaccines. I believe somebody already mentioned there have not been studies on pregnant women.

And you need to get a freaking clue.

A) The flu shot IS generally recommended. By every single credible medical authority.

There are few studies on pregnant women for ANY drug.

I can't even deal with this level of ignorance.

Want a personalized experience?

Did you get a flu shot?

Re: Did you get a flu shot?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards