Flu shot

KristaOchoa · June 2015

I was wondering what everyone's thoughts are on getting the flu shot while pregnant? I know it's recommended, but I've never had one and am sceptical of it. I usually see people getting sick from them or an infection in the shot area.

princesslockness · June 2015

I recommend changing title, as many people become heated at just hearing vaccines.

As a teacher I always get my flu shot. I have no idea if it helps, but with having to take time off to coach and other things, I can't afford to get sick.

313Meg · June 2015

Most ob's will recommend it.

AlejandraN2 · June 2015

I didn't get it in my last pregnancy. I was past the first trimester when flu season was over and i gave birth before the flu season started and since I had never gotten it before, i didn't want to "test it out" while pregnant. However, i did get it after I gave birth since my baby was so susceptible at the beginning (compromised immune system).

I am not sure what i'll do this pregnancy.

@313Meg is right though most OBs do recommend it.

laurabwalker · June 2015

I've gotten a flu shot every year for work and never gotten sick or an infection from the actual flu shot as its a dead virus. I suggest discussing it with your medical provider if you're unsure risk vs benefits. I will be getting one this year again for work while pregnant.

littleSkittle14 · June 2015

My OB didn't mention/administer any shots last time... And I have never had the flu shot. It's thr only vaccine that you need a different one every year, which just seems odd to me. And then years like last year, they "predicted" wrong or something, and the strain they put in the flu shot only protected 1/3 of the people it was supposed to (in my area). Basically I'm just more comfortable not getting it! And if you're the same, that's totally fine!

LC122 · June 2015

Kate08Young said:
I recommend changing title, as many people become heated at just hearing vaccines.

Agree on the title change. I was all, let me get my popcorn.

Agree on OBs recommending it too.

LilLambie · June 2015

I get the vaccine every year. Im a teacher and last year I was the only person in the whole department who didn't get the flu. I went and got pregnancy tested and the vaccine at the same time this year. And the reason you need a new one each year is because the flu virus mutates so rapidly its completely different each year.

lovemichelleleah · June 2015

As a child I always had a flu shot due to my brother having a compromised immune system but after still getting the flu a couple of times even with the vaccine I stopped getting it as a teenager. I'm a huge baby when it comes to shots and really don't WANT to get it but I definitely might still consider it being due in December just out of fear of my newborn catching it from me.

Side question.. if you have a flu shot during pregnancy is your baby protected as well?

colsen4 · June 2015

If the shot area gets infected then never go there. It also should not hurt. I worked in a pharmacy and got one every year. This will be different. As far as people getting the shot and still getting sick there are multiple reasons. If you get the shot after flu season starts you are at risk as it takes 2 weeks to work through your system and in those weeks if you are exposed to the flu you will get it. Also if you have the start of a cold or any type of virus then you will experience getting sick and blame it on the shot when you were exposed to something before getting it. I always get mine at the end of August as soon as it is available at my pharmacy. Get protected before flu season even starts and you have a better chance of avoiding the flu. As far as the new shot every year, pp said it mutates and that is true. That is also the reason that some people get flu like symptoms even with the shot. If the virus mutates you are still partially protected and may get a less severe case of the flu. If you don't trust me go ask your doctor or certified pharmacist. I can't cite sources as my source was years of training and talking with too many pharmacists to mention.

Rusty NailHer · June 2015

My OB recommended it previously, I said no. I will decline it once again. I have never had the flu. Everyone in my family has a reaction to it.

eboyd2 · June 2015

I always get the flu shot, pregnant or not. I've never had a reaction and have always stayed clear from the flu when vaccinated. I will be getting it again this time

awilliams2728 · June 2015

@lovemichelleleah - according to the CDC getting the flu shot while pregnant offers your baby some protection for up to six months after birth. (https://www.cdc.gov/features/pregnancyandflu/)

hugheston · June 2015

I never got the flu shot growing up, but work in the ER now and have been required to the last six years. I've literally been around people every day I work who have the flu (during flu season) and have never actually gotten the flu, so it's doing something right. I'm going to make sure to get the shot again this year, especially since baby will come right in the middle of flu season and I want to be sure I'm protected for him/her. So, short version, I would recommend it

rynney · June 2015

I get the flu shot every year for free through my work. This year will be no different. My mother caught the flu when she was $ months pregnant with me and earned herself bed rest until I made my entrance...17 days past her due date. I've not had a reaction but better safe than sorry for me.

hugheston · June 2015

littleSkittle14 said:
My OB didn't mention/administer any shots last time... And I have never had the flu shot. It's thr only vaccine that you need a different one every year, which just seems odd to me. And then years like last year, they "predicted" wrong or something, and the strain they put in the flu shot only protected 1/3 of the people it was supposed to (in my area). Basically I'm just more comfortable not getting it! And if you're the same, that's totally fine!

They have to create a new vaccine each year because the virus mutates. It is a very educated guess

CMDD · June 2015

i've never gotten it ever but i will this year in order to protect the baby.

Mizuiro007 · June 2015

I had two last pregnancy, one first trimester because I was at the end of flu season and the another for the next year toward third trimester. I had pregnancy related asthma and it was especially recommended because of that. Also your immune system can react differently during pregnancy (better or worse) so past experience isn't the best indicator. During pregnancy you're given an inactive strain of the virus. I never had issue with either of the two shots and for the first year in a while didn't get flu and neither did baby (even when poor daddy had it). I will be getting it again this year.

LC122 · June 2015

Oh @littleSkittle14 please read @colsen4 's post and educate yourself about this topic.

CMDD · June 2015

colsen4 said:

If the shot area gets infected then never go there. It also should not hurt. I worked in a pharmacy and got one every year. This will be different. As far as people getting the shot and still getting sick there are multiple reasons. If you get the shot after flu season starts you are at risk as it takes 2 weeks to work through your system and in those weeks if you are exposed to the flu you will get it. Also if you have the start of a cold or any type of virus then you will experience getting sick and blame it on the shot when you were exposed to something before getting it. I always get mine at the end of August as soon as it is available at my pharmacy. Get protected before flu season even starts and you have a better chance of avoiding the flu. As far as the new shot every year, pp said it mutates and that is true. That is also the reason that some people get flu like symptoms even with the shot. If the virus mutates you are still partially protected and may get a less severe case of the flu. If you don't trust me go ask your doctor or certified pharmacist. I can't cite sources as my source was years of training and talking with too many pharmacists to mention.

@colsen4 my doc has said that the flu doesnt come to this area until well into january so i should probably get one during labor or right after. do you think i should talk to her about getting one earlier like in November? Thanks

KristaOchoa · June 2015

Thanks everyone...changed the title from recommendations. Still not sure if I'll get it or not but it's good to read what others have to say! Will keep this in mind and ask my OB about it when it gets closer to flu season!

LauraSmarterSpam · June 2015

I never got the flu vaccine until I was pregnant with DS. Like some others have said, the one they give to pregnant women is inactive. I just had a sore arm. I've gotten it each year since I was pregnant with DS and I still get the shot while DH and DS get the nasal spray which is one pregnant women should not have.
I'll be getting it again and again each year now.

LauraSmarterSpam · June 2015

CMDD said:

colsen4 said:

If the shot area gets infected then never go there. It also should not hurt. I worked in a pharmacy and got one every year. This will be different. As far as people getting the shot and still getting sick there are multiple reasons. If you get the shot after flu season starts you are at risk as it takes 2 weeks to work through your system and in those weeks if you are exposed to the flu you will get it. Also if you have the start of a cold or any type of virus then you will experience getting sick and blame it on the shot when you were exposed to something before getting it. I always get mine at the end of August as soon as it is available at my pharmacy. Get protected before flu season even starts and you have a better chance of avoiding the flu. As far as the new shot every year, pp said it mutates and that is true. That is also the reason that some people get flu like symptoms even with the shot. If the virus mutates you are still partially protected and may get a less severe case of the flu. If you don't trust me go ask your doctor or certified pharmacist. I can't cite sources as my source was years of training and talking with too many pharmacists to mention.

@colsen4 my doc has said that the flu doesnt come to this area until well into january so i should probably get one during labor or right after. do you think i should talk to her about getting one earlier like in November? Thanks

I would go ahead and try to get one because it should pass to the baby and if I can remember correctly, I think babies can't really get the vaccine until after 6 months.

cristinapage72 · June 2015

I had both of my boys in the fall, so it was recommended to get one for each, which I did. Keep in mind, it takes two full weeks to build up the antibodies in your system and pass those on to your baby. So if you do get one for the purpose of protecting your baby, make sure you receive the vaccine at least two weeks prior to when you possibly could deliver (like around 35 weeks).

kanda0820 · June 2015

I already told my OB that I'm refusing the flu vaccine. My mother had the swine flu shot when she was pregnant with my sister and she has an auto immune disease. Her friends mother also had the shot and he too as an auto immune disease. I think I'll take my chances with the flu. Plus a lot of times there are strands of the flu that the flu shot doesn't even cover.

dp1320 · June 2015

kanda0820 said:

I already told my OB that I'm refusing the flu vaccine. My mother had the swine flu shot when she was pregnant with my sister and she has an auto immune disease. Her friends mother also had the shot and he too as an auto immune disease. I think I'll take my chances with the flu. Plus a lot of times there are strands of the flu that the flu shot doesn't even cover.

I would recommend doing your research as opposed to adhering to the logic of "this happened to them and everything was fine"

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/pregnant.htm

dp1320 · June 2015

I've gotten the flu shot the last 5 years and have yet to get the flu or have any reactions from the shot. I got it when I was pregnant with DS and will also get it this pregnancy. Once you are in your third tri, you can pass some of the immunity to the fetus and as others have said, babies aren't able to get the flu shot until they're 6 months old. Just like in pregnancy, a newborn getting the flu can be very serious. Not worth the risk for me - especially in the middle of flu season.

nik6499 · June 2015

I have to have a flu shot every year for work. It's inactive and cannot give you the flu. I work in a building with 5000 other women, we all have to get it and we are all doing fine. There are only a very small amount of contraindications for the flu shot and outside of those rarities the benefits outweigh any risks significantly because babies and the elderly are very vulnerable to the flu. Ultimately everyone has to make their own choice, it's just not a risk I'm willing to take.

BlueWaffleSpeshul · June 2015

kanda0820 said:

I already told my OB that I'm refusing the flu vaccine. My mother had the swine flu shot when she was pregnant with my sister and she has an auto immune disease. Her friends mother also had the shot and he too as an auto immune disease. I think I'll take my chances with the flu. Plus a lot of times there are strands of the flu that the flu shot doesn't even cover.

I'm going to just start putting this in my signature.

Correlation ==/== causation.

That being said, I was a bit naive before and didn't get a flu shot while I was pregnant. Everything turned out fine, but if I had it to do over again, I would get it. I did get it last fall (DS was born in August) because he couldn't get his until 6 months.

RobinaCee · June 2015

I got the flu at the very beginning of this pregnancy and it was the WORST thing I've ever felt. I've never had the flu shot but I will be getting one this year as soon as they're available. I don't ever want to be sick like that again!

cristinapage72 · June 2015

RobinaCee said:
I got the flu at the very beginning of this pregnancy and it was the WORST thing I've ever felt. I've never had the flu shot but I will be getting one this year as soon as they're available. I don't ever want to be sick like that again!

You're right, having the flu is awful. Can you imagine an infant getting it? It would totally destroy their poor tiny bodies :-( Makes me sad too think about

colsen4 · June 2015

CMDD said:

colsen4 said:

If the shot area gets infected then never go there. It also should not hurt. I worked in a pharmacy and got one every year. This will be different. As far as people getting the shot and still getting sick there are multiple reasons. If you get the shot after flu season starts you are at risk as it takes 2 weeks to work through your system and in those weeks if you are exposed to the flu you will get it. Also if you have the start of a cold or any type of virus then you will experience getting sick and blame it on the shot when you were exposed to something before getting it. I always get mine at the end of August as soon as it is available at my pharmacy. Get protected before flu season even starts and you have a better chance of avoiding the flu. As far as the new shot every year, pp said it mutates and that is true. That is also the reason that some people get flu like symptoms even with the shot. If the virus mutates you are still partially protected and may get a less severe case of the flu. If you don't trust me go ask your doctor or certified pharmacist. I can't cite sources as my source was years of training and talking with too many pharmacists to mention.

@colsen4 my doc has said that the flu doesnt come to this area until well into january so i should probably get one during labor or right after. do you think i should talk to her about getting one earlier like in November? Thanks

@CMDD November would be a much better time to get it. You want enough time for the shot to process in your body that way the baby will receive some benefits from it as well.

People that have a reaction normally react to an ingredient and not the virus. They specifically ask about allergies to eggs and if you are worried can ask what other ingredients could cause a reaction. The flu is deadly to infants and the elderly. That is why they wanted us to get it working in the pharmacy. It was more about people coming in to get supplies for relief from the flu passing the virus to associates and then us passing it to the elderly people we served.

GardenMama116 · June 2015

The last time I got the flu was also the same year that I last got the flu vaccine. I will def be speaking with my OB about it to know all the pros and cons. I am leaning towards declining it given my past experience.

I got DTaP last November too after I fainted and sent my tooth through my lip. I had a lot of skin issues after that and am still trying to recover. I hope I don't have to get another DTaP since I just had it last year.

RSB1982 · June 2015

I used to work in healthcare and just got used to getting the vaccine every year. I've never had any kind of negative reaction nor have I ever gotten the flu. I'm sure our OBs will start pushing the vaccine as soon as flu season rolls around again and I won't have any issues with getting it. Any chance to pass along some immunity to the fetus is a good thing.

redfallon · June 2015

You are supposed to get a DTaP shot in the third tri of every pregnancy. It helps your baby until they are old enough to get the shot on their own.

nik6499 · June 2015

DtaP is especially important for the PerTussis

Athomas1341 · June 2015

I have never had the flu shot and didn't get it with my last pregnancy. I won't be getting it this time around either. I do believe in vaccinating yourself and your children, but it is one I won't be doing. No real reason as to why... But I have just never received one and I've never had the flu (thank God!)

Now, If I had the flu before, then I would most likely want to get one bc I'm sure I'd never want to go through that again!

BostonBaby1 · June 2015

I always get the flu shot. I tend to get sick very easily and will catch anything if somebody sneezes a mile away. Despite getting the flu shot this year, I had the flu for the first time in many years. This year shot was not as effective as most years, but still, I got a much more mild version of the flu then I would've had without it.

My mother had the flu while pregnant with me. It caused her to lose 12 of the 25 pounds that she had gained and she ruptured her water early due to vomiting. This would be reason enough for me to get the flu shot.

* pregnant women should get the flu shot that is preservative free. (Thimerosal)

** The flu shot should not hurt, but it can hurt if it is administered by somebody that does not know what they're doing. Still, it only feels like your arm is sore for a day or two.

*** The nasal spray version of the flu vaccination is alive but is not active enough to actually cause the flu. I can however cause further symptoms and therefore is not for everybody. Don't know that it in pregnancy.

CMDD · June 2015

lol @athomas1341 dont you want to stop you or the baby from ever getting it so that neither of you have to suffer that pain?

BostonBaby1 · June 2015

CMDD said:
lol @athomas1341 dont you want to stop you or the baby from ever getting it so that neither of you have to suffer that pain?

Just to further this point, the flu can actually cause death quite easily and babies and the elderly. Why risk death? Of course, the choice is obviously yours, but I just am curious because you seem to be on the fence.

Athomas1341 · June 2015

Well, it's not that I'm against it at all. I would do it if my doctor really thought it was for the best, but she didn't seem to push it last time. I told her I have never received one and she said ok- no problem. My son is healthy and has never had the flu either- I guess it's just a personal decision.

I will do my research again and see what I think this time. It's just not something I'm comfortable with... That's all!

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