Flu Shot and Pregnancy??

Darbdarbs · October 2014

Just needing some opinions as to what people think about getting the flu shot while pregnant, I am still really on the fence about it and am not sure what to do.

lorifromwi · October 2014

Hi, I'm a lurker here, but this was a big question for me as well. THE WORLD was telling me I needed to have a flu shot now that I'm pregnant...I don't usually get one. What convinced me is that my very laid-back OB said I should get one. I'm of "advanced maternal age", so I was expecting him to mandate me taking a bunch of tests for that, but he didn't and explained why. So when he was serious about this, I trust that he's got the rationale to back it up.

I've had bad reactions to flu shots in the past due to my egg allergy, so I asked for the egg-free version and I was absolutely fine this time around. Now if I can just stay away from Ebola and Entrovirus I'll be a happy camper!

kwal · October 2014

Personally, I have gotten one each time I was pregnant and every( non pregnant) year since having my first child. Make you own decision, butI think it is something you should definitely consider.

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/pregnant/flushot_pregnant_factsheet.pdf

Darbdarbs · October 2014

Okay my only reason I'm on the fence with it is because I have not had the flu in about 8 years and I am against putting things in my body that I don't know. I have had many people tell me that they got very sick from the shot, and still get the flu being as the flu shot only protects you from one strain of the flu, not all of them.

crunchymamaof2 · October 2014

I'm not as pro-vaccine as others here but everyone who wants to be around our baby when they're born in March must get a flu shot. Our oldest is in preschool and our youngest eats everything and we refuse to take chances. I honestly see no reason why one wouldn't get it while pregnant. Not worth the risk IMO.

honkytonk_kid · October 2014

Darbdarbs said:

Okay my only reason I'm on the fence with it is because I have not had the flu in about 8 years and I am against putting things in my body that I don't know. I have had many people tell me that they got very sick from the shot, and still get the flu being as the flu shot only protects you from one strain of the flu, not all of them.

You can't get sick from the vaccine. Well, you can have a reaction to it but those are generally minor and uncommon. You can't get the FLU from the flu shot.

Amstreagle · October 2014

Darbdarbs said:
Okay my only reason I'm on the fence with it is because I have not had the flu in about 8 years and I am against putting things in my body that I don't know. I have had many people tell me that they got very sick from the shot, and still get the flu being as the flu shot only protects you from one strain of the flu, not all of them.

Who's to say you won't get it while pregnant. It's better to err on the side of caution especially when pregnant.

crunchymamaof2 · October 2014

Darbdarbs said:

Okay my only reason I'm on the fence with it is because I have not had the flu in about 8 years and I am against putting things in my body that I don't know. I have had many people tell me that they got very sick from the shot, and still get the flu being as the flu shot only protects you from one strain of the flu, not all of them.

The shot is a dead virus so it can't make you sick. The flu mist is a weakened virus so that can have more side effects. Our son got very sick (not the flu) from it but we just get e shot instead now. Plus, even if you catch a strain that wasn't in the vaccine you're likely to have less symptoms and issues. Look up the ingredients. Educate yourself.

PrimRoseMama · October 2014

Get it.

I still fail to see how this keeps coming up as a question? :-??

LynnBrown4 · October 2014

For me the decision was simple... OBGYN strongly recommended it, so I'm getting it.

lalans · October 2014

"The shot is a dead virus so it can't make you sick. The flu mist is a weakened virus so that can have more side effects. Our son got very sick (not the flu) from it but we just get e shot instead now. Plus, even if you catch a strain that wasn't in the vaccine you're likely to have less symptoms and issues. Look up the ingredients. Educate yourself."

Trying to quote, but not sure if it will. My OB said not to get the mist version, only to get one of the shots because the mist is still live and thus can make you sick (although generally its much less severe because the virus is weekend). The shots don't contain live virus so it can't make you sick from flu although you can have a reaction..I was really tired and didn't feel great for a day after mine, but that could also just be pregnancy at the end of a long week. In any case it was WAY better then getting the actual flu!

jennypolkadots · October 2014

For me it's about personal risk. I work in an office with only 4 other people. I have a separate office, run an air purifier, and as the only woman have my own bathroom. I mostly am at home when not at work. I wash my hands and do things to support my immune system (healthy diet, herbal teas, zinc, vitamin c, etc.) and my midwives do not recommend the flu vaccine for pregnant women unless there are heightened risk factors (teacher, nurse, gets sick often, etc.) I've never had the flu that I know of, unless it just seemed like a cold and I got over it on my own.

I'm not getting the flu shot, and I have never gotten the flu shot. My husband usually doesn't get one either but this year we are taking extra precautions since he is working in a large office and he is going to get the nasal spray sometime soon.

If I start to show any signs of a cold, I will go to my doctor at the first signs. I'm not going to dumb and wait a week or two until it gets bad. Too much is at risk when there is someone else relying on my immune system too.

crunchymamaof2 · October 2014

jennypolkadots said:

For me it's about personal risk. I work in an office with only 4 other people. I have a separate office, run an air purifier, and as the only woman have my own bathroom. I mostly am at home when not at work. I wash my hands and do things to support my immune system (healthy diet, herbal teas, zinc, vitamin c, etc.) and my midwives do not recommend the flu vaccine for pregnant women unless there are heightened risk factors (teacher, nurse, gets sick often, etc.) I've never had the flu that I know of, unless it just seemed like a cold and I got over it on my own.

I'm not getting the flu shot, and I have never gotten the flu shot. My husband usually doesn't get one either but this year we are taking extra precautions since he is working in a large office and he is going to get the nasal spray sometime soon.

If I start to show any signs of a cold, I will go to my doctor at the first signs. I'm not going to dumb and wait a week or two until it gets bad. Too much is at risk when there is someone else relying on my immune system too.

Why in god's name do your midwives not recommend the shot? It doesn't matter if you get to the doctor when you have a cold. Colds are viruses. Why wouldn't you take any extra precautions to protect your child?

jennypolkadots · October 2014

Oh geez, we all make different decisions. I am not reckless and have thought this through and learned about the flu vaccine. And not mumbo jumbo, I read cdc websites and the statistics on how much protection it actually offers. My midwives have delivered over 1000 babies and each have 4 of their own. They don't recommend the shot for me, and I'm not getting it. I also ran it by our pediatrician, and he agreed that it's about personal risk and his own wife didn't get it when pregnant.

My doctor is not a traditional doctor. She is an MD but mostly treats through diet and herbs. I mean that if I start feeling unwell, I will take it more seriously than if I was not pregnant.

abbyful · October 2014

lorifromwi said:
Hi, I'm a lurker here, but this was a big question for me as well. THE WORLD was telling me I needed to have a flu shot now that I'm pregnant...I don't usually get one. What convinced me is that my very laid-back OB said I should get one. I'm of "advanced maternal age", so I was expecting him to mandate me taking a bunch of tests for that, but he didn't and explained why. So when he was serious about this, I trust that he's got the rationale to back it up.
I've had bad reactions to flu shots in the past due to my egg allergy, so I asked for the egg-free version and I was absolutely fine this time around. Now if I can just stay away from Ebola and Entrovirus I'll be a happy camper!

Enterovirus is just a cold for 99% of people. If you've had a cold this summer, there's a decent chance you probably already had enterovirus.

abbyful · October 2014

I'm not getting it until baby is born. Doctor said they can give it to me in the hospital before we're discharged.

I'm opting to wait because (a) I'm due in a few weeks, still early in flu season, and (b) I miscarried last year after getting the flu shot. I know 1st trimester miscarriages are common, and statistically they say miscarriage risk doesn't increase with the flu shot, but as much as I want to be ok with getting the flu shot during pregnancy, I'm just not comfortable with it. (I kind of feel "damned if you do, damned if you don't" about this decision.)

I'll breastfeed, so baby will at least get some immunity that way, and won't be in daycare until the tail end of flu season. DH & DS have already gotten their shots.

jennypolkadots · October 2014

@mauibliss - I'm not anti medicine. I take really great care of my body and that is were immune response starts. I was raised that way and have seen the amazing effects of proper diet, herbs, and lifestyle for generations of my family. If I ate a diet of junk, were in contact with many people, or if even my medical team recommended the shot I would get it without question. For what it's worth, my kids will be fully immunized and I do understand risks/benefits of vaccines. I don't have to defend my decision though. I almost didn't post to begin with because I know the view on this board about more holistic medicinal choices, but I decided to post anyways because not getting the vaccine is a valid option for women at low risk of coming in contact with the flu.

Over 50% of pregnant women don't get the flu shot. The actual risk of getting the flu is very low, and the chance of the flu shot keeping you from getting the flu is also not that stellar either. It is one of the least effective immunizations ever invented. There are also literally thousands of viruses that present flu like symptoms that you can not be immunized against. If you get any of these during pregnancy it should be taken seriously and you and the baby can be very ill. Don't rely on some fail safe with a poor track record, work on your body's health and immune response and limit your risk factors.

NicoleWI · October 2014

You should ABSOLUTELY get a flu shot while pregnant. You protect yourself, and you also help protect your baby. Also, your DH should get one and anyone else who will be around the newborn. A couple of pregnant women died from the flu during last year's flu season.

Smash1215 · October 2014

jennypolkadots said:
Oh geez, we all make different decisions. I am not reckless and have thought this through and learned about the flu vaccine. And not mumbo jumbo, I read cdc websites and the statistics on how much protection it actually offers. My midwives have delivered over 1000 babies and each have 4 of their own. They don't recommend the shot for me, and I'm not getting it. I also ran it by our pediatrician, and he agreed that it's about personal risk and his own wife didn't get it when pregnant.

My doctor is not a traditional doctor. She is an MD but mostly treats through diet and herbs. I mean that if I start feeling unwell, I will take it more seriously than if I was not pregnant.

Not getting the flu shot is reckless and it's selfish.

Alicia_R1 · October 2014

I seriously hate the flu shot, the times I do get it (always mandated by the Army) I am miserable. That being said, I went in yesterday since work was offering the first round to those at a higher risk of getting the flu, sucked it up and got my shot. It's worth it to me to reduce my risk of getting sick as much as possible. The flu shot is one more way to reduce the risk of getting sick. My OB and perinatologist both recommended it and I see no reason to question their expertise.

Smash1215 · October 2014

unconventionalatbest said:

jennypolkadots said:

Oh geez, we all make different decisions. I am not reckless and have thought this through and learned about the flu vaccine. And not mumbo jumbo, I read cdc websites and the statistics on how much protection it actually offers. My midwives have delivered over 1000 babies and each have 4 of their own. They don't recommend the shot for me, and I'm not getting it. I also ran it by our pediatrician, and he agreed that it's about personal risk and his own wife didn't get it when pregnant.

My doctor is not a traditional doctor. She is an MD but mostly treats through diet and herbs. I mean that if I start feeling unwell, I will take it more seriously than if I was not pregnant.

I don't get the flu shot either, nor does anyone in my family... that includes my other two children. I did not get it during the two flu seasons I was pregnant with them. Was I lucky not to get it? Sure, but so are all of you who get a flu shot and don't get it. There are things you can do for your immune system that give you as good of a fighting chance against the flu as a flu shot, but most people don't give them a second thought because God forbid you don't listen to the CDC. My midwives also don't recommend it either, and once again, I won't get it. I will continue to do the things I have done since childhood to prevent the flu.

I see you have trouble understanding science. Science is not an opinion.

crunchymamaof2 · October 2014

@jennypolkadots and @unconventionalatbest‌ - But why not? Why not give yourself that extra ounce of prevention? And you child? I'm not a vaccine crazy person, we spread out our kids vaccines but they're fully up to date. If this opposition was to the MMR I'd somewhat shrug it off (not saying I necessarily agree with the whole evil MMR hype), but it's the flu shot. What risks outweigh it's benefits? Why not healthy living plus the shot?

mapledonuts · October 2014

Please please get the flu shot. The tdap as well. And make sure your entire family does too.

Smash1215 · October 2014

unconventionalatbest said:

Smash1215 said:

unconventionalatbest said:

jennypolkadots said:

Oh geez, we all make different decisions. I am not reckless and have thought this through and learned about the flu vaccine. And not mumbo jumbo, I read cdc websites and the statistics on how much protection it actually offers. My midwives have delivered over 1000 babies and each have 4 of their own. They don't recommend the shot for me, and I'm not getting it. I also ran it by our pediatrician, and he agreed that it's about personal risk and his own wife didn't get it when pregnant.

My doctor is not a traditional doctor. She is an MD but mostly treats through diet and herbs. I mean that if I start feeling unwell, I will take it more seriously than if I was not pregnant.

I don't get the flu shot either, nor does anyone in my family... that includes my other two children. I did not get it during the two flu seasons I was pregnant with them. Was I lucky not to get it? Sure, but so are all of you who get a flu shot and don't get it. There are things you can do for your immune system that give you as good of a fighting chance against the flu as a flu shot, but most people don't give them a second thought because God forbid you don't listen to the CDC. My midwives also don't recommend it either, and once again, I won't get it. I will continue to do the things I have done since childhood to prevent the flu.
I see you have trouble understanding science. Science is not an opinion.

And I see you blindly accept whatever information is thrown at you. I believe my view is best for me. You believe yours is best for you. I'm good with leaving it there.

Actually, I have a doctorate in public health and infectious diseases. I've trained in these areas at the Johns Hopkins University, the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health and the Scripps Research Institute. I've worked in the medical field as an infectious disease expert in the US and have also led international health efforts.

I hardly call that blind belief. My words are, in fact, based on expertise in the subject matter, science and medicine. Now if you want to go head to head with me about vaccine efficacy and risks, I'm ready. I have data on my side. You have ignorance and child killing propaganda.

thejucheidea · October 2014

unconventionalatbest said:

jennypolkadots said:

Oh geez, we all make different decisions. I am not reckless and have thought this through and learned about the flu vaccine. And not mumbo jumbo, I read cdc websites and the statistics on how much protection it actually offers. My midwives have delivered over 1000 babies and each have 4 of their own. They don't recommend the shot for me, and I'm not getting it. I also ran it by our pediatrician, and he agreed that it's about personal risk and his own wife didn't get it when pregnant.

My doctor is not a traditional doctor. She is an MD but mostly treats through diet and herbs. I mean that if I start feeling unwell, I will take it more seriously than if I was not pregnant.

I don't get the flu shot either, nor does anyone in my family... that includes my other two children. I did not get it during the two flu seasons I was pregnant with them. Was I lucky not to get it? Sure, but so are all of you who get a flu shot and don't get it. There are things you can do for your immune system that give you as good of a fighting chance against the flu as a flu shot, but most people don't give them a second thought because God forbid you don't listen to the CDC. My midwives also don't recommend it either, and once again, I won't get it. I will continue to do the things I have done since childhood to prevent the flu.
I see you have trouble understanding science. Science is not an opinion.
And I see you blindly accept whatever information is thrown at you. I believe my view is best for me. You believe yours is best for you. I'm good with leaving it there.

WAKE UP SHEEPLE

... hahahahaa god I need an anti-vaxxer bingo card all up in here.

MexicanBoobJob · October 2014

Dont get the shot. theres all sorts of bad things in them like balming fluid and murcury and alluminim-those things could hurt your baby. havent you seen all the news stories about kids who devleoped autism after their shorts? why would you put that into ur body willingly?

janda426 · October 2014

unconventionalatbest said:
I appreciate the judgement that everyone who doesn't get a flu shot rubs oil all over themselves and is rejoicing about not being a sheep. If you're saying that, you are just as ignorant as you believe people who don't get a flu shot are.

These debates are so useless because no one ever changes their minds. It's a fun way for pro-flu shot ladies to take out some anger with fighting words. My whole point in saying anything is that everyone needs to make their own decision after doing their own research, not be pushed into the decision by some passionate ladies name calling and using f bombs.

Just like how you said everyone who believes in vaccines just "blindly believe whatever is thrown at them?" I'm sorry science doesn't make sense to you

janda426 · October 2014

I've never read a single one of these threads and been exposed to ONE viewpoint from the other side that made me think "huh, I never thought of it that way"

Because not vaccinating is stupid. It's stupid and selfish and you should be forced to live on some isolated island with everyone else too stupid to vaccinate themselves.

crunchymamaof2 · October 2014

janda426 said:

I've never read a single one of these threads and been exposed to ONE viewpoint from the other side that made me think "huh, I never thought of it that way" Because not vaccinating is stupid. It's stupid and selfish and you should be forced to live on some isolated island with everyone else too stupid to vaccinate themselves.

I'm still waiting for both of them to answer my question as to why not get it. Just more of the "science is out to get you!" Crap.

janda426 · October 2014

LittleBunnyFuFu said:

@janda426- you have a peen in you! Congrats!

Thank you!! Can't believe this boy is halfway baked already!

Empireceo · October 2014

Also, I wish the people spouting off about holistic medicine would stop giving all of us a bad name. I love holistic healing methods but I see them as complementary to medicine, not an alternative to it.

thejucheidea · October 2014

katehgee said:

To those that believe vaccines cause autism, please click the following link: https://howdovaccinescauseautism.com
Ha! I need to bookmark this site and give it to anti-vaxers.

I also like this one: https://www.antivaccinebodycount.com/

crunchymamaof2 · October 2014

unconventionalatbest said:

crunchymamaof2 said:

janda426 said:

I've never read a single one of these threads and been exposed to ONE viewpoint from the other side that made me think "huh, I never thought of it that way" Because not vaccinating is stupid. It's stupid and selfish and you should be forced to live on some isolated island with everyone else too stupid to vaccinate themselves.

I'm still waiting for both of them to answer my question as to why not get it. Just more of the "science is out to get you!" Crap.

I didn't realize you had asked. My family chooses not to get it because we believe in the research that says getting your vitamin D tested, then boosting it up to a certain level, along with other important vitamins and minerals, gives you as much protection as a flu shot would. Along with that, we use other things that we believe give us just as good of a chance of fighting off the flu as a flu shot would, without having to get a vaccine. Notice how I say "what we believe?" This is from our extensive research, not just a quick google search. It isn't easy to find research for "the other side," and I say "what we believe" and "from our research" because we have spent a lot of time on this subject as well as how the numbers for the actual flu vaccine are represented in scientific studies. Of course we care about our children, others, and our own bodies. This is how we choose to protect ourselves. I realize it is not what the majority believes, and that is okay. If I can give myself just as good of a fighting chance this way, that is how I will do it. We take this approach with all illnesses in our family. I am not saying science is out to get me in any way. My kids do have some vaccines. I am very thankful that modern medicine exists. I couldn't have healed my son's broken leg with some vitamin d, oils, and garlic. It's there when we believe it is needed, and we are grateful. I am saying that my family believes that there is more out there than science.

Ok. But what is so bad about the vaccine? Why not give yourself that extra bit of protection, especially, or at least, when you're pregnant?

capulet · October 2014

unconventionalatbest said:

I just answered this. If I were to try to answer it again, I would just be repeating what I said previously.

I've been reading this thread with interest. No, you didn't answer the question. You only said why (you think) you don't need the vaccine, not why there's something wrong with it. Why is it either/or instead of both/and? I mean, it is not obvious to me, and from this thread it clearly isn't to others, why you wouldn't take every available precaution to protect yourself, not to mention others you may encounter who are vulnerable to the flu and for whom a healthy lifestyle alone is inadequate protection.

peeppeeppeep · October 2014

Reading this debate, I am reminded of the words of Dr. Leo Spaceman from 30 Rock: Science is whatever we want it to be!

Gah, get a flu shot.

capulet · October 2014

How does what you choose to do with your own body protect others, though? That's another thing I'm wondering about, since I have several immunocompromised relatives for whose sake, as well as our own, our family gets the flu shot every year whether or not I'm pregnant. No matter what they do, they're vulnerable, and they can get very ill from relatively healthy people who may not even realize they're carriers but can pass the flu on to others.

And you are still treating this as either/or rather than both/and, and I still don't understand why. What is actually wrong with the flu shot, besides that you don't think it's fully effective? Isn't it possible that it gives you additional protection you can't give yourself? I don't see how you can actually know you're giving yourself that protection. Your health, your family's, and that of other people is riding on your expertise (which, unlike that of medical professionals, is not reviewed by or accountable to anyone else) somehow guaranteeing your ability not only not to get the flu, but not to be a vehicle of transmission to others.

thejucheidea · October 2014

unconventionalatbest said:

I answered the question that was asked. I have no interest in changing anyone's mind. You believe what you think is true, and I will do the same. I have no interest in arguing it further. And please, learn how to disagree with someone in a mature way, because what you just posted about the stupid box does nothing for you.

The 'stupid box' she's referring to is how if you delete too much, you get stuck in the quote box for whatever you're trying to quote. It's not an insult.

capulet · October 2014

kyliedaniellexx said:

I'm so glad that society has all these internet research people that know better than doctors. I'm sure they are happy they spent all that money on their phDs for nothing since everything they know can be debunked by some skeptics.

And not just money (it's possible to be fully funded through a PhD program) but time and a ton of hard work, you know? DH and I are well educated in more humanities-oriented fields, but I'm not sure either of us has the native intelligence or the work ethic even to get into med school or grad school in the sciences, let alone through it. You spend years working your ass off and proving yourself over and over to a lot of people. Most people want to goof off in their 20s. I did. But I can't then come back later and be like "forget those 'fancy degrees,' I can understand what they do just as well as they can." What doctors and health professionals do is more than "research" - they've put their time and minds on the line and worked up every step of a system where people who have already been through the process constantly check and correct you. They've been accountable to professors, experienced colleagues, and patients. That is what those "fancy degrees" mean, and scoffing at that earned expertise is insulting, if anything is.

crunchymamaof2 · October 2014

This is how I feel when people claim they answered a question, without actually answering it.

crunchymamaof2 · October 2014

MrsMuq said:

unconventionalatbest said:

If what I do gives the same protection as a flu shot, don't you think it is actually better to protect your body this way rather than getting a flu shot then just hoping you don't contract one of the many strands not covered? It is just a general guess as to what strain will be around. I hope it's a good guess! I would much rather protect myself against all strands. The research regarding the flu shot is extremely biased to make it look appealing to the public, when in reality, it doesn't work that well. I will always choose to arm myself and my family in a healthier way that encourages our immune systems to be strong and work as they are supposed to, rather than inject us with an deactivated form of a virus that may not be necessary at all. If it's not needed and can be protected in a different way, I am not putting it in me.

Along with that..

The CDC does reveal the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of flu inoculationsIn children, the effectiveness of the flu vaccine is reported to be a mere 66%. It doesn't seem possible to derive a factual number for adults since the CDC states that tests for influenza are not reported. When laboratory tests are done to confirm influenza, they often show that influenza was not present. Perhaps this is why the CDC does not collect this information.

The Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine has reported that giving young children flu shots appeared to have no impact on flu-related doctor visits or hospitalizations during two recent flu seasons.
A large-scale, systematic review of 51 studies published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviewsfound that the flu vaccine was no more effective for children than a placebo.And research published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine similarly reports that there has been no decrease in deaths from influenza and pneumonia, despite the fact that vaccination coverage among the elderly has increased from 15 percent in 1980 to 65 percent today.** Edit by me (sorry, can't get this to make it's own paragraph) - Those are the only two things I could pull up quickly this morning. There is so much more interesting information out there. The most interesting to me is how the numbers for the studies we see are actually interpreted. If you really want information on the research, it is out there. It's just really hard to find.

So, you assume that everyone who gets the flu shot doesn't try to subscribe to a healthy lifestyle like you do? How.... enlightened of you.

This. Also, I'll take the "mere" 66% effectiveness. Add that to a healthy lifestyle and you've got a pretty good shot. I'd still love to know one actual reason it's bad to get the shot. What is so wrong with this particular shot?

abbyful · October 2014

This seems fitting for this thread:

https://youtu.be/HhGuXCuDb1U

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