flu shot?

itshumpday · August 2014

What have you heard about the flu shot? Someone told me today that it was safer to get it while pregnant than to not. I never get the flu shot because I hate unnecessary drugs. I'm a healthy person... I would rather just get the flu and fight it off. But, being pregnant, maybe that isn't the best idea. I'm a kindergarten teacher so I'm around a lot of germs! I will ask my doctor when I go in but thought I would get a jump on the idea.

Texasmomma13 · August 2014

I got last time and will get it again this time. I'll also be getting the dtap booster closer to my due date.

Smash1215 · August 2014

I will absolutely get it.
1. I don't want to get the flu.
2. I don't want to be the vector of a deadly disease.
3. Some people can't get vaccinated for medical reasons and I would hate to get them sick. Vaccines aren't just about the person receiving the vaccine.

kread8 · August 2014

I'm getting one and I got one last time.

TeacherMamax2 · August 2014

I work in a high school and I won't be getting the flu shot. I didn't get it with my first one and felt good about it. It is actually interesting, because three of my pregnant coworkers got the flu shot and were all out with the flu shortly after. I always get really sick after getting the shot like ouy of work for a week and a half.

Smash1215 · August 2014

The flu shot does not give you the flu.

lindsayanne14 · August 2014

itshumpday said:
I'm a healthy person... I would rather just get the flu and fight it off. But, being pregnant, maybe that isn't the best idea.

A flu shot is recommended for pregnant women because even healthy women have a somewhat weakened immune system when PG. If you get the flu, it may not be quite as easy to "fight it off" as it would be when you aren't. Most Dr's will suggesting getting one but ultimately it's your choice. I got one with my DS and will get one again.

drmrsmantis · August 2014

The idea that the flu shot is unnecessary blows my mind. It's not only for you, but all the others who are more vulnerable that you come into contact with. I do not understand not liking medicine because it's medicine, when there is clear benefit with little other risk.

I'm going to see if they'll give me two.

inawe07 · August 2014

I won't be and never have when pregnant or otherwise. The shot itself only protects against certain strains. Usually whatever they feel will be the worst to hit. I can see where it would be beneficial to people though, especially those who work around children or those who have a really compromised immune system.

JaneShops · August 2014

I'm getting it,
I've gotten it every year for at least 10 years. There are some years, where I get a slight reaction- sore arms, exhaustion. But completely worth it when I get the flu, and I'm only down for 2-3 days. My unvaccinated coworkers may come down with the same bug, & they have worse symptoms and are miserable for 5-10 days

Make sure you get preservative-free, being pregnant

missab · August 2014

I got one for the first time last year (preservative-free) when I was pregnant (but later miscarried); I got a super nasty strain of the flu later in the season, anyway. Despite the fact that I had never had the flu previously without getting a shot and it clearly didn't help me last year, for me, getting one seems to be the most responsible thing with a pregnancy-induced compromised immune system.

bowman958 · August 2014

Contracting the flu puts you and your unborn baby at risk for major complications. There is little risk and a huge benefit to protecting yourself with a flu shot.

Here is the CDC link for your perusal. Sorry if not clicky, mobile.
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/pregnant.htm?mobile=nocontent

BabyShanteau · August 2014

I got one in 2012 when I was pregnant, one in 2013 when I was breastfeeding and I'll get one this year as well. Now that I'm a parent and I'm responsible for someone else's health, it's irresponsible IMO not to get one.

inawe07 · August 2014

somerandomchick said:

I won't be and never have when pregnant or otherwise. The shot itself only protects against certain strains. Usually whatever they feel will be the worst to hit. I can see where it would be beneficial to people though, especially those who work around children or those who have a really compromised immune system.
Oh well a seatbelt isn't 100% guaranteed to save your life so you might as well not bother right

Not entirely what I was saying. Just relaying that it does only cover certain strains. Why I choose not to was never stated and might be medically related. I get that immunization is a hot topic and serious. Guess what, my child gets her shots so I do understand the importance of it. I just choose not to judge people one or the other.

itshumpday · August 2014

I used to get it and always got sick a few days later. Happens the same for my mom too.

Smash1215 · August 2014

itshumpday said:
I used to get it and always got sick a few days later. Happens the same for my mom too.

You're not getting sick with the flu, though. What you feel a few days after is your immune system making antibodies to protect you from the flu. It's a sign your body is working hard.

AMShark · September 2014

I just signed up for the flu shot at work (I get it every year, partly b/c it's free, and it seems foolish to pass it up). I'll remind my DH to get his too.

Thanks to this thread, and the CDC link (thanks @bowman958 ), I see the flu shot is not just safe, but recommended for PG ladies.

I'm just wondering now about the people who said, "make sure it has no preservatives." Why should I worry about this? And how do I know if the shot I'm getting will have these?

Are there certain types/names I should be on the look out for? Is there a link or a list that I can browse somewhere?

Thanks in advance.

AMShark · September 2014

Thanks @somerandomchick - It's good to know that they will probably have options available.

anna&jl2011 · September 2014

I went to my ob/GYN Friday. He highly recommend the flu shot. I've never had one so I was concerned about getting it while pregnant. He said the year when there were so many fatalities from the flu 20% of them were pregnant women. I question was there a special kind to get. He said no. Just go to a cvs, Walmart or somewhere like that and get it.
My husband work actually gave them for free yesterday so I got it. I also questioned them and they said it was completely safe while pregnant.

angelfish628 · September 2014

I will definitely be getting one. I get one every year.

CivilMommy · September 2014

I never got flu shots until I was pregnant. With 2 littles in daycare - you bet I am getting it this time too.

My OB offers a preservative free flu shot so I can avoid some of the mercury preservative concerns that people have with vaccines.

yellowdaisies84 · September 2014

I'm getting one! I get a flu shot every October, every year.

ElizabethSwann · September 2014

I didn't get my flu shot with my first pregnancy. I should have. I am so lucky i didn't get the flu. I am definitely getting a flu shot this year.

When you get the flu and are pregnant, you are more likely to have a more severe case and put your unborn baby in fetal distress.

keifekm · September 2014

As I was reading this I was wondering about my 3.5 year old. I did some googling and they say that the CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get a seasonal flu vaccine. They also suggest the nasal spray for healthy children 2-8 years of age. We will all be going to get one this year.

AMShark · September 2014

The plot thickens... I was just checking out the scheduling site for the flu shots offered at my job when I saw the following 2 notes:

**If you are currently pregnant and wish to receive a flu shot, you will need to provide a written release from your primary care physician.**

**If are located in the following states and you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant within the next six months you can NOT receive a flu vaccination at our clinic: California, Delaware, Missouri, Illinois, Washington or New York**

Interesting. I'm not in any of the states listed, so it doesn't apply to me, but it makes me wonder if this clinic uses preservatives in their vaccine. I'm looking for a place to ask questions. Maybe I'll just ask my OB at my appointment tomorrow.

justyouraveragemama · September 2014

I no longer get the flu shot. I have a reaction to it that gives me flu symptoms for a week and a half. I dont know if it's because the amount of the virus that's in the shot is too much for me or what but I'd rather not deal with my reaction from getting the shot. Wish I could get the shot though

[Deleted User] · September 2014

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AMShark · September 2014

I have my first OB appointment tomorrow, so I'll specifically ask her *when* I should get the shot, and reasons why 1st tri or 2nd tri might be better.

I also searched the site for the clinic administering the shot at my workplace & found the "contact us" link. I sent them an email to ask for more details on the shot they were providing.

My guess on why this clinic can't give shots in certain states might be related to the type of insurance they carry. Or, perhaps those states have legislature restricting the administration of vaccines from companies based out of state. Who know?

I'll post an update after I talk to my doctor tomorrow. Something new for my list of questions. I hope my OB doesn't start to hate me.

*** ETA - words

shopgirl133 · September 2014

I would get it if I could. I'm allergic to eggs and unfortunately can't get the flu shot among other vaccines. My doctor is looking into alternatives though.

springlove59 · September 2014

I'm getting the flu shot but for my own peace of mind I'm waiting till the 2nd trimester and getting the preservative free one. I have read that the regular one is safe in the 1st but we are just starting flu season and I would rather wait another week. The pharmacist came to my office last Friday and I declined. I got the flu shot 2 years ago when my coworker had a weakened immune system do to cancer but that was the first time and I didn't get it last year. I will probably get one at my 14 week appt. It would be really bad to get the flu and have a fever while pregnant...not taking chances.

mrsmopar67 · September 2014

La la la. Asking internet strangers and relying on their opinions is not an intelligent way to research or make medical decisions....... Aaaaaand out!

cwiceangel · September 2014

My husband is a pharmacist and he's pretty much not taking no for an answer and the dr told me today to get one by October 1st... I've never had one because I'm pretty healthy and have never had the flu. But last year there were too many stories on the news about pregnant women dying from getting the flu. So I'll bite the bullet.

alisajs · September 2014

I always get it. Actually got mine yesterday at my 12 week appointment.

lcole08 · September 2014

Went and got mine yesterday!

nikkijo3 · September 2014

Talked with my ob/gyn about it today and he recommended it so I'll be getting it when it comes out next month. I work in a school too which means I'm surrounded by lots of germs. I didn't get one last year and came down with a horrible case of the flu that knocked me out for 2 weeks and my DH too. I didn't have anyone to take care of me and give me sympathy because neither of us could get out of bed and I sent my kids to stay at my parents so they wouldn't catch it. It was so horrible. I swore I would be getting the flu shot this year because I wasn't going to go through that again. I will not put my baby at risk or myself. DH has another opinion, he is totally anti vaccine which we have to agree to disagree on. All my kids have been vaccinated and this baby will be too whether he likes it or not.

crazychickenlady · September 2014

I recently wondered the same thing - I talked to my midwife about it an she suggested that I get one.

My problem is that DH is REFUSING to get one :-/

kmerkle1 · September 2014

I work with cancer patients whose immune systems are not great. I got my flu shot yesterday.

wendyneilson · September 2014

It CAN give you a reaction that is just as bad or worse than the flu, and you can still get the flu. There are definitely risks. Also it doesn't necessarily protect you from the strain of flu that is most prevalent this year. There are no guarantees.

HeavensAngel20x · September 2014

Definitely get the flu vaccine. I already received mine at 8 weeks. I am a nurse practitioner and will be around many adults with the flu and have seen adults with the flu thus far. People don't realize that you can get the flu at any time of the year it is just more pre-levant during the winter season. 2 years ago I had the flu on sept 1, they didn't even offer the flu vaccine at the hospital I worked at yet. I was sick for a month 1st the flu then bronchitis (i have asthma) I was out for 5 days from work. It was terrible and will not let me body put stress on the baby by choosing not to have the flu vaccine! Get vaccinated

good luck with all if your decisions

Flowerstar1023 · September 2014

I work in an ER where we have already started seeing sporadic cases of flu. I'm definitely getting it. As prior posters said, the flu is especially dangerous for pregnant women.

schwabab · September 2014

I am definitely getting the flu shot in October when I am in second tri.

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