Flu Shots? TDAP?

JCM285 · September 2014

Hi Ladies! I was wondering how many of us have already gotten the vaccinations for the flu shot and/or the TDAP. I am on the fence about getting the flu shot. On the one hand, I work in a school and the flu goes around every year and I know it is extremely dangerous for expectant moms to have high fevers for prolonged amounts of time. On the other hand, I also know that the flu shot has a ton of ingredients that can not be good for the baby (formaldehyde is one of them). Also, I am only working for two more months at most, so I won't be exposed to the germs at school for too much longer and there's a good possibility that by the time the flu gets there, I'll already be gone. I don't know much of anything about TDAP, but it seems to be more important for the expectant mother to get. However, my gynecologist doesn't offer it, so I would have to go to CVS to get one and it has NEVER been mentioned by my gynecologist group which I just find really weird. Is anyone choosing NOT to get vaccinated for the flu and/or the TDAP? If so, what are your reasons for staying away? Sorry in advance if this was already brought up. I recall reading something about it, but I'm pretty sure it was a while ago. Thanks!!

NELSMD · September 2014

I just got the tdap Thursday. I assumed I should get the flu shot too, but maybe I'm wrong. Maybe after baby's born?

And just an FYI, my arm is just now starting to not be sore from that darn thing. Ouch!

[Deleted User] · September 2014

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riansmommie · September 2014

https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/12434557/anyone-getting-the-t-dap-tetanus/p1

Search function brings up multiple results just on our board just so you know.

JCM285 · September 2014

Thanks @SLC1102. I will be seeing a nurse practitioner on Tuesday for my 30 week appointment. I was scheduled with a doctor for over a month and then he cancelled all of his appointments for that day last Thursday so I was unable to get another appointment with him. I am hoping she will be able to answer my questions.

swhitis · September 2014

The flu shot isn't just to keep mom from getting sick. It also passes a little immunity on to the baby. I have never gotten a flu shot before, but I will be getting one this year.

JCM285 · September 2014

Thanks @riansmommie. I will read through that. Appreciate it!

brookey79 · September 2014

Depends where you are. The flu shot isn't going to be available where I am until at least late October, probably early November, but I'll be getting it then. The TDAP is also not currently recommended in Canada during pregnancy, but it is recommended that we get it ASAP postpartum. I'd just listen to what your doctors tell you.

JCM285 · September 2014

@SLC1102, I have a practice of gynecologists so I've been seeing all of them over the past several months. I am pretty disappointed in them for changing my appointment last minute and making it impossible for me to see one of the OBs on Tuesday, but I have a really busy week next week and can't make it in on another day so I will have to see this nurse practitioner. If they had done this earlier in my pregnancy, I would probably not still be with them, because they have been pretty disorganized in other ways as well, but hopefully I will be seeing only the OBs for the rest of these appointments or I will complain at some point.

MrsNash37212 · September 2014

First off, you can get preservative free versions of the flu shot if you're that worried about the "ingredients", which are miniscule. Second, the immunity passes to baby and with our LOs due in December, it's extremely important for them to be protected. Infants are the ones who are most likely to die from the flu.

JCM285 · September 2014

@MrsNash37212, I have heard of these preservative-free shots, but I have no clue where to get one. Do you know anything further about that? I have tried to talk to my chiropractor about it, but he does not believe in shots at all and is under the impression that all of the shots contain the same ingredients. I am not that extreme about not getting ANY shots but it would probably be a good idea to get one with fewer chemical ingredients.

BankerBSN · September 2014

I got both last Tuesday.

MrsNash37212 · September 2014

Some OB offices carry them, but I think a drugstore like Walgreens would be your best bet.

Eora3 · September 2014

JCM285 said:
@MrsNash37212, I have heard of these preservative-free shots, but I have no clue where to get one. Do you know anything further about that? I have tried to talk to my chiropractor about it, but he does not believe in shots at all and is under the impression that all of the shots contain the same ingredients. I am not that extreme about not getting ANY shots but it would probably be a good idea to get one with fewer chemical ingredients.

Google will be your friend here. You are going to need to find a more natural/holistic doctor's office. Start calling around to whatever is local to you.

JCM285 · September 2014

Thank you @MrsNash37212. I will call some of the stores and see whether they know anything about it.

JCM285 · September 2014

You ladies are the best! I called the CVS Minute Clinic in the town where I work (it's nearest one) and they carry the preservative-free flu shot so I will go there for that. I will ask my doctors office what week I should get the TDAP since someone said 32 weeks and I'm not there yet. Thanks again! I knew the ladies of D14 would have good ideas :-)

riansmommie · September 2014

Most women get their TDaP shot between 28-32 weeks of pregnancy

AllTheTeaInChina · September 2014

I will be getting both. There is no reason not to get them. DH and DD1 will also be getting the flu shot. They are both current on tdap/dtap.

Even if you won't be working by the time a flu outbreak hits, does your SO work outside the home? Will not leave the house til April?

Saintelizabeth · September 2014

I got a flu shot from my OB last week and I'll be TDAP soon. DH will also be getting a flu shot next week.

nolanova85 · September 2014

I'll be getting both. Every medical outlet (my office, our birthing class, the chick who gave me my flu shot...even articles on the CDC website) recommend that pregnant women receive both shots. Of course i get the flu shot every year anyway. My office brings a clinic into the office in late September each year, so I got my fly shot on Wednesday. My plan is to do Tdap next weekend at CVS Minute Clinic (my OB office does not carry them). Your partner, grandparents, etc. can also get their boosters at any drugstore (well, at least that's the case where i live in a major metro area).

JCM285 · September 2014

Thanks ladies!! Yes you are totally right @AllTheTeaInChina‌ . DH will be working. I just meant the environment I work in is more germ-ridden but he actually already got the flu shot.

leoandethansmom · September 2014

I posted on a previous tdap thread but just because, I got both of mine already. Tdap at 28 weeks and the flu shot two weeks ago at 29 weeks. I never get the flu shot either but I figure as much good as I can do for myself and the baby, I'm gonna do it. Both of them made my arms sore as hell but again, totally worth it.

VMac1984 · September 2014

brookey79 said:
Depends where you are. The flu shot isn't going to be available where I am until at least late October, probably early November, but I'll be getting it then. The TDAP is also not currently recommended in Canada during pregnancy, but it is recommended that we get it ASAP postpartum. I'd just listen to what your doctors tell you.

VMac1984 · September 2014

I'm in Canada and my OB told me to get the TDap anytime after 26 weeks. Maybe it varies by province?

nesenotes · September 2014

I got the Tdap Thursday and will get my flu shot at my next appt

brookey79 · September 2014

VMac1984 said:

I'm in Canada and my OB told me to get the TDap anytime after 26 weeks. Maybe it varies by province?

I think it just depends on your doctor too. I think the recommendations keep changing. This is what I found on the Public Health Agency of Canada website.

"The safety and efficacy data related to use of tetanus toxoid-reduced, diphtheria toxoid-reduced, acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap) during pregnancy is currently under review by NACI. NACI's current recommendation for pregnant women who have not previously received Tdap vaccine in adulthood is that Tdap vaccine should be administered immediately post-partum to ensure pertussis immunity and reduce the risk for transmission to the newborn."

emp156 · September 2014

i will get both. flu shot in the next few weeks... haven't scheduled t-dap. DH will also get both (neither of us has ever gotten a flu shot before).

fwiw, my OB stressed that i need to make sure i get the mercury-free flu shot. the vast majority of flu shots are several doses in one vial. mercury-free is single dose and usually used only for pregnant women. (this is essentially what i remember her explaining, apologies if i'm bungling the info. ask your OB, obvs)

soulcupcake · September 2014

I'm going to inquire about the TDaP at my appt. tomorrow, but I'm guessing I'll get it before 34ish weeks.

kellyo0131 · September 2014

Got my flu shot early September. Will be getting the TDap on Tuesday.

JCM285 · September 2014

@emp156‌ do you happen to know whether the preservative-free flu shot is also mercury-free? Ill try looking it up but just wondering if you know. Thanks!

JCM285 · September 2014

I just found this article that seems to say that preservative and mercury-free are the same: https://coldflu.about.com/od/fluvaccinequestions/p/Preservative-Free-Flu-Vaccine.htm

frenchy816 · September 2014

I had the flu shot last week and my MW had the preservative-free shot. I didn't even ask for it. I'll be getting TDap in the next few weeks.

As for the flu shot, my mom is a LC on L/D and last year her floor was on lockdown because of the flu and anyone w/o the shot was not allowed in, fathers who had not had the shot had to wear masks and other protection when on the floor and around baby. She just actually reminded me to have DH get his shot in case this happens this year too.

Sweetsix06 · September 2014

I got both of then last week. My doctor recommended it for me and explained how the benefits greatly outweigh any risks. So speak with your doctor and figure out their recommendations for you.

JCM285 · September 2014

Thanks ladies! Now we just need a vaccine for that entero virus (not sure if I spelled that correctly). so scary!

ajlmom · September 2014

I was advised to get both. I already got the TDap and will get the flu shot at work in Oct when it becomes available.

vrae0606 · September 2014

I'm @ 28 weeks and my OB already had me get the Tdap shot. I got it this past Wednesday. I gotta tell ya, if you plan to get it hopefully you can get it at a time you can take it easy the next couple of days. For me anyways, it dragged me down the day I got it and the next day. Just overall blah feeling and achy all over. I just wanted to be in bed all day but had to work of course. And my arm STILL hurts where I got the shot. I get the flu shot every year and will get one again for free from my work sometime coming up in October. OB also recommended DH get both shots also which he will get @ some pharmacy and hopefully insurance will cover most of the costs.

E&B0811 · September 2014

Abstract of guidance re: TDAP - https://m.acog.org/Resources-And-Publications/Committee-Opinions/Committee-on-Obstetric-Practice/Update-on-Immunization-and-Pregnancy-Tetanus-Diphtheria-and-Pertussis-Vaccination?IsMobileSet=true

AFM - my ob does the tdap at 28 weeks and will do the flu shot as soon as they come into the office. I had the tdap last Monday and to echo a PP I was also dragging a little that day and my arm hurt (like I had been punched in a Charlie horse) that evening until Friday/yesterday morning. Owie!!

jlmynes · September 2014

I've had my OB at my last 2 visits tell me I need to hurry and get both the flu and TDAP shots. Since we're due in December during cold and flu season it's a good idea to get one just in case. Also, some states have major epidemics of whooping cough, Arizona where I live is one of them. Both OBs and my sons pediatrician said to get TDAP now so baby will get some benefit out of it also. Suggest both but listen to what your doctor advises.

JCM285 · September 2014

Thanks ladies! I managed to get an appointment with one of my regular doctors instead of the nurse practitioner they originally put me with this week so I will ask. Good to know about the TDAP effects

irish2014 · September 2014

I got both today. Ow. I'm 29 wks.

The nurse at my OB said they just got the flu shot in today, it took longer to get it there than Walgreens, which has had it available already, and also that they didn't get as much as usual so they were only offering it to pregnant patients instead of all OB/gyn. I wonder if this is just their supplier or if it's a trend.

xc1148 · September 2014

Why are you prioritizing medical advice from a chiropractor, the Internet and Internet strangers? The flu is worse for your baby than any miniscule amounts of preservatives in a vaccine. A chiropractor is not a doctor. Listen to your doctor.

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