Flu shot

CEBGSU · September 2014

I am a FTM and kindergarten teacher (currently 25 weeks). I would like to get a flu shot to avoid the sickness this October. The doctor has given me the go ahead.....but being the anxious person I am, I'm a little nervous of the side affects ( never had a flu shot in the past but I always get sick in October). Anyone gotten the flu shot while pregnant? What was your experience? Thanks!!

Eora3 · September 2014

Do it!!!! You will be so happy later when your coworkers and students are dropping like flies.

In my personal experience, the only "side effect" I have ever had is a few minutes of light-headedness after the shot. It only happens when I am pregnant and get the shot. Totally worth it.

For me, the thought of the misery of having the flu while pregnant is absolutely terrifying. Plus the various studies showing a slight correlation between high fevers during pregnancy and random disorders like autism is enough to make me do whatever I can to keep myself healthy.

BankerBSN · September 2014

I will be getting both the flu shot and TDap. No question.

agsgrrl · September 2014

*siiiigh* I'm going to have to, I've gotten the flu the last two years.

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ahbEsq · September 2014

I had it last pregnancy and had no side effects other than sore arm, same as when I got it last year when I wasn't pregnant. I think as long as you don't get the live virus nasal spray you shouldn't have any side effects.

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JaymeeLH · September 2014

I'll be getting the flu shot and TdaP, and I'll be getting an MMR booster after she's here since apparently I have no rubella immunity even though I'm UTD on all my vaccines. After getting the flu every year without fail for 4 years in a row, and then finally not getting it last year after getting the vaccine, I'll take the sore arm. Not to mention I want to pass whatever immunity I can since the thought of having a newborn contract the flu is not even a thought I want to have.

colliebabe · September 2014

Yes, I got it last time I was pregnant and every year since then. I will be getting it again this year. I haven't experienced any side effects since I started getting one.

Cryssteen · September 2014

I work in a hospital in NY. It's required to have the flu shot (or wear a mask all day, every day). Perfectly safe - and indicated - for pregnant women. It's scarier to have the FLU while pregnant than it is to have a vaccine.

GustieRx · September 2014

I get one every year (I'm a pharmacist- I see a lot of sick people daily)- other than a potentially sore arm, no side effects so don't see why you wouldn't get one. I am just going to get mine at my 28-week appointment at the same time as the TDap and glucose tolerance test. I may look like a human pin cushion, but oh well- it's best for baby! You should be able to get it at your OB's office, I know mine does them!

rshamos · September 2014

I got my TDap on Wednesday. Only side effects were I got light headed after and now my arm is sore. With the flu shot I usually get the same side effects, but you can also get flu like symptoms. In my sister, she reacts like she is having the flu and usually has to take a day off. So, she gets it done on a Friday so she doesn't have to miss work. But the benefits outweigh the crappy side effects.

taylojade57 · September 2014

Is there a time period that they recommend getting it? Like if you get it between x and y weeks it helps baby's immunity? I've never had a flu shot, but I'll get one if it helps Baby H!

caden1206 · September 2014

I have always gotten the flu shot, even.pregnant. I work with lots of sick.people over the winter and can't risk not. The risks associated with getting the flu far exceed any potential risks associated with the shot.

AllTheTeaInChina · September 2014

I got it last time before I knew I was pregnant. I suspected/hoped but it was too early to test by a couple days (got it at work). Except for the extra fingers, DD is totally fine! Seriously though, its very important to get the flu shot while pregnant. I had an appt a few days ago but my OB office hasn't gotten it yet. I will get it at my next appt along with the Tdap booster.

sarahlynne30 · September 2014

Just got mine yesterday along with the whooping cough one; I've never had side effects and all is well so far

Cryssteen · September 2014

@taylojade57 - I'm pretty sure it's not for the baby's immunity, it's for yours. It's dangerous to have the flu when pregnant because of the fever, and once the baby is born s/he cannot have the vaccine during this season. So, it's meant to immunize those around baby to minimize the risk of baby getting sick. So, to answer your question, you can get it any time during your pregnancy. It's usually out in October. Pregnant chicks are considered high risk, and therefore get priority if the vaccine is in short supply, like it has been in the past.

kim1730 · September 2014

Definitely getting the flu shot while pregnant. Only difference is I'll be getting the preservative free shot. I got my shot at CVS last year, and they gave me the preservative free one because I was TTC at the time. This year I'll get it at my OB's office if they offer it, or if not back to CVS. I'm planning on getting the TDAP shot too, but I'd prefer not to do that at the same time as the flu shot.

RayRay007 · September 2014

I've never gotten the flu shot before and I'm kind of "philosophically opposed" to it. Although, I get it for DD (I was pregnant with her throughout flu season and didn't get it myself. She was born at the end of the season. She didn't get it in her first year, but she did when she started daycare). I am going to talk to my OB about it. I think I probably should get it (babies will be born at beginning of season, will be little at height of season, will likely be a little premature and be susceptible, etc.) but I'm also reluctant to try something new for the first time while pregnant.

QueenOfSpades622 · September 2014

Giving my opinion without reading other comments as i'm crunched on time this AM. I have gottten the flu shot every year for at least the past 7-being in healthcare it's generally requrired. I will be getting it while pregnant also. The only side effects I ever get are generally body aches for about a day after but nothing major that I cannot deal with. To me risk outways the cons 10 times over.

argyledogs · September 2014

Cryssteen said:

@taylojade57 - I'm pretty sure it's not for the baby's immunity, it's for yours. It's dangerous to have the flu when pregnant because of the fever, and once the baby is born s/he cannot have the vaccine during this season. So, it's meant to immunize those around baby to minimize the risk of baby getting sick. So, to answer your question, you can get it any time during your pregnancy. It's usually out in October. Pregnant chicks are considered high risk, and therefore get priority if the vaccine is in short supply, like it has been in the past.

Make sure you ask your OB about what week you should get it because mine has specific weeks when vaccines are considered "safer" to get, but I'm not sure if that's just for the whooping cough one or the flu shot, too.

mckenneyfam · September 2014

I get a flu shot every year and I had one when I was pregnant with my first child. No adverse side effects.

kellyo0131 · September 2014

I got my flu shot at my 24 wk appointment this week...my arm was sore for a day but I feel totally fine. I will also be getting the TDap and rhogam (RH Negative) shot at my next appointment.

CEBGSU · September 2014

Thanks ladies!!! I will definitely be getting the shot... with no anxieties!

BabyBeastie · September 2014

The only year I've gotten the flu shot was the only year I've gotten the flu in my life. Though I'm level-headed enough to recognize that my immune system is compromised right now. My acupuncturist offers a 4-series of a holistic immunity booster injection that offers flu protection. She gave me a shot before we went on a trip last weekend (I always pick something up from those nasty planes) and I didn't get the first sniffle. I'll be getting the 4-series this fall as will my hubby.

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AllTheTeaInChina · September 2014

BabyBeastie said:
The only year I've gotten the flu shot was the only year I've gotten the flu in my life. Though I'm level-headed enough to recognize that my immune system is compromised right now. My acupuncturist offers a 4-series of a holistic immunity booster injection that offers flu protection. She gave me a shot before we went on a trip last weekend (I always pick something up from those nasty planes) and I didn't get the first sniffle. I'll be getting the 4-series this fall as will my hubby.

I think I just pulled an eye muscle.

[Deleted User] · September 2014

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AlwaysForgetful · September 2014

I will be the person who says no, I am not getting a flu shot. I will get the Dtap but not the flu shot. I have yet to have a "healthy" experience with the flu shot. So it is on my no list.

Didn't have an issue with the Dtap last fall . I am waiting till about 32 weeks to get that though. I don't like the OB who I see at 28 weeks. I see the other OB right around 32 weeks. So I will have it then.

Edited because apparently I like the word "though" a little to much today.

khall7109 · September 2014

I had the shot once before, and much like all other shots I've had it made me violently Ill for a week. I'll have a serious conversation with my Dr. About whether or not it's worth the risk. The hepatitis shot they give you in high school kept he in bed for two weeks!!!

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