Flu Shots? TDAP?

JCM285 · September 2014

I'm asking @xc1148‌ because I haven't been to the OB in a few weeks and they have yet to suggest either of the shots to me. Also I understand that the chiropractor is not a regular doctor. I would hardly call asking opinions about a flu shot serious medical advice. But next time I need advice about an important surgical procedure, you ladies will be the first ones I ask

khall7109 · September 2014

I asked my OB about whether or not the flu shot was right for me, as it always makes me sick for weeks. She said if I had a record of getting the shot she would say yes, but as it's been a few years and that I have a history of not taking the shot well she would say no. I should be taking care to wash my hands and I should stay away from sick people.

JennaRaek · September 2014

I got both on Thursday. DH will be getting both as well.

jpagano113 · September 2014

My doctor hasent mentioned anything about a the flu shot or Tdap but I will mention it next appointment. Not sure it's common practice here in Canada for pregnant women.

BayCamp · September 2014

I go to a birth center, and the midwives there don't recommend vaccinations for pregnant women. This puts me in a tough situation. I'm all for vaccinations, but I hate going against my care provider. My last Tdap was 2 years ago. What would you ladies do in this situation? (Not seeking medical advice, I just feel sneaky going off to walgreens after my midwife said no) DH is getting both, and I normally get my flu shot with no issue.

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BayCamp · September 2014

Slaps said:
@BayCamp‌ I would go get them, have they said why they don't want you to get them?
But myself I would go to Walgreens and get them both.

The only reason I can think of is that they are just a very "crunchy" practice. It's definitely not something specific to me or my health history. I definitely think I'll be getting them when DH gets his. I would never forgive myself if anything happened to LO if I didn't get them.

JCM285 · September 2014

@Halsing‌ I'm sorry you had a bad reaction to the shot. I have heard (but not from a doctor so I have only taken this with a grain of salt) that being pregnant changes your body's chemistry so you can have different reactions to shots than you are used to. Not sure if that is true. It is actually one of the questions I plan on asking my doctor. @BayCamp‌ if you feel like you should get the shot then I would get it and tell the MW like other PPs have said. I would probably also ask what they specifically don't like about the shot. Maybe you can get the preservative free shot? We discussed it earlier on this thread :-)

BrainCellSup · October 2014

I just got my flu shot at 28 weeks--unfortunately my GP gave me a TDAP booster when I told him I was pregnant back in April, and my OB said it's once per pregnancy so I can't get it again. I'm bummed because the baby won't be getting passive immunity since it was so early on.

xc1148 · October 2014

@BayCamp I would absolutely get them. If they have no scientific basis for telling you not to get them, then do what you normally do, which is get vaccinated.

Lexxilou1986 · October 2014

As an RN that worked for 5 years in a medical ICU, I can tell you that getting the flu while pregnant is no joke!! We had several girls who were so sick with the flu while pregnant that we had to deliver them early via induction or csection while they were on a ventilator in a medically induced coma. Your immune system is unable to fight the secondary infections that can arise while you have the flu. These secondary infections can cause multiorgan failure. Please, please, please get your flu shot!!!!

AllTheTeaInChina · October 2014

BayCamp said:

@BayCamp‌ I would go get them, have they said why they don't want you to get them? But myself I would go to Walgreens and get them both.
The only reason I can think of is that they are just a very "crunchy" practice. It's definitely not something specific to me or my health history. I definitely think I'll be getting them when DH gets his. I would never forgive myself if anything happened to LO if I didn't get them.

You aren't really going against medical advice by getting them. The CDC recommends all pregnant women get the flu and tdap vaccines. There is medical research to back up that recommendation. If you think its best for you and your family, get them.

I got my flu shot yesterday from my OB and will be getting the tdap in 2 weeks at my next appt. I could have gotten them both yesterday but also had the blood draw with glucose test and didn't want to be sticked 3 times.

BayCamp · October 2014

Thank you ladies! I love and agree with almost everything about the birth center except for this one point. Makes me not feel so crazy for going elsewhere to get my vaccinations.

S&N062009 · October 2014

I am still on the fence about the flu shot. I have never gotten one and my mom always gets one and she always gets sick and I don't. I kind want to say no but not sure. I did get the Dtap and my arm did not really hurt at all.

ColeyCannoli · October 2014

BayCamp said:

I go to a birth center, and the midwives there don't recommend vaccinations for pregnant women. This puts me in a tough situation. I'm all for vaccinations, but I hate going against my care provider. My last Tdap was 2 years ago. What would you ladies do in this situation? (Not seeking medical advice, I just feel sneaky going off to walgreens after my midwife said no) DH is getting both, and I normally get my flu shot with no issue.

I'm having a similar issue where the Tdap isn't offered by my OB until after birth (cause I'm pretty sure they are about a decade behind in care, ugh) and I feel like I'm running out of time. I'm going to a family practice to get it anyway. I don't feel bad about it because I know it's important to me and my family. I hope you'll do the same if it's important to you. I really doubt that your midwife will get upset with you.

ColeyCannoli · October 2014

Lexxilou1986 said:

As an RN that worked for 5 years in a medical ICU, I can tell you that getting the flu while pregnant is no joke!! We had several girls who were so sick with the flu while pregnant that we had to deliver them early via induction or csection while they were on a ventilator in a medically induced coma. Your immune system is unable to fight the secondary infections that can arise while you have the flu. These secondary infections can cause multiorgan failure. Please, please, please get your flu shot!!!!

Plus there is nothing more horrible than seeing a baby get sick or die from something that could be prevented so easily. My husband's boss lost his infant to the flu a few years ago. Once you watch that, you stop worrying about a little discomfort.

xc1148 · October 2014

This. I can't even remember when the last time I had a flu shot. I also can't remember when the last time I had the flu.

No. No. make it stop. Not "this." When was the last time you were exposed to the flu? You don't know. That's why you get the flu shot. You can roll the dice and say "I'm going to gamble on me and my baby's health that I won't encounter anyone with the flu this season" because that's what you do every season, but please stop thinking that the CDC recommends flu shots because it's the only way to prevent the flu. Luck is a huge part of it.

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