Flu shots

CupcakesRamazing · October 2015

Anyone else avoiding getting it during the first trimester? Please- I'm pro vax and my DD has all hers on time and she will be getting her flu shot. I however can't bring myself to do it during first trimester. I feel like there's so much critical happening and don't want to do anything that would cause me anxiety. I know I'm being side eyed for this- but anyone else?

VikingGirl12 · October 2015

I got it at around 12 weeks with DS, but only because I'm and elementary teacher and kids are gross. They were scheduled to come give them next week and cancelled so I'm going to wait until second tri now.

LizM61409 · October 2015

I got mine already

NicknShan · October 2015

Isn't it recommended to get the flu shot now? Am I missing something?

VikingGirl12 · October 2015

NicknShan said:
Isn't it recommended to get the flu shot now? Am I missing something?

Yeah they reccommend it for preg women. I *think* it's completely safe in first tri but after my son was born with a bunch of heart defects I've been living in this self blame thing and don't want to do anything at all until second tri. Kind of dumb but whatever gets you through.

Eta: in still pro vax all the way

candicek15 · October 2015

I think the risks of getting influenza are way worse than the risks from the vaccine, no?

CupcakesRamazing · October 2015

Idk if something happens s to my mind and they have issues I'll never forgive myself. I know in being silly is just- pregnant women are told "no cafenine, no rare meat, no hot dogs, no soft cheese; But here have this shot with formaldehyde we promise it won't hurt anything".

If I get it I know it will cause me non stop anxiety until my LO is born.

Gwyneddlesliegrace · October 2015

CupcakesRamazing said:

Idk if something happens s to my mind and they have issues I'll never forgive myself. I know in being silly is just- pregnant women are told "no cafenine, no rare meat, no hot dogs, no soft cheese; But here have this shot with formaldehyde we promise it won't hurt anything". If I get it I know it will cause me non stop anxiety until my LO is born.

Listen to your gut.

matthewsdm · October 2015

CupcakesRamazing said:

Anyone else avoiding getting it during the first trimester? Please- I'm pro vax and my DD has all hers on time and she will be getting her flu shot. I however can't bring myself to do it during first trimester. I feel like there's so much critical happening and don't want to do anything that would cause me anxiety. I know I'm being side eyed for this- but anyone else?

I had reservations, but my doctor assured me it was safe and I just got mine on Tuesday at 5 weeks. She said I could wait, but that it was perfectly fine now!

Meglit89 · October 2015

I agree with Gwyn. If you're not comfortable, don't do it. It's recommended, not required. Definitely don't let anyone bully you into getting it if you know you're going to be anxious your entire pregnancy because of it.

mkemommy · October 2015

I don't think I'm going to wait. I have to get on a plane to India in November and will be stuck with hundreds of other people who might be sick in constantly rotating air for over 18 hours of flying time alone (plus time in airports/layovers). I'll talk to my doctor in two weeks but I think the risk of not getting the shot outweigh the risk of getting it. I'll get the preservative free one obviously. The statistics out there overwhelmingly point to the flu shot not only being safe during pregnancy but leading to better results for baby. Here is a recent study link - LINK HERE though it doesn't provide trimester by trimester breakdown it does point to the fact that these vaccinations are beneficial

mkemommy · October 2015

And here is another one that does discuss first trimester vaccinations where no differences were found in vaccinating early. LINK

Wyattnash00 · October 2015

I got mine at 6 weeks last time, will be doing the same thing this time, always reccommended if you have other kiddos. But like everything else, listen to your gut and do what you want to do.

CupcakesRamazing · October 2015

Thanks for the links @mkemommy ! I may get it second tri in Dec but I know not before then. Pass the sanitizer!

WinniethePoohsPants · October 2015

I'm getting mine first thing tomorrow morning. I LOVE vaccines.

aloha5736 · October 2015

I work in a hospital and I am required to get it, so two days ago I got mine during the 4 week mark. They give us a deadline. Honestly, I am very reluctant during the first trimester too. My decision was based on I have a higher probability to contract the flu than the average person. Getting the flu can harm both me and my baby, so that is why I got it. That being said I am not convinced with the flu vaccine research and it hasn't been around a very long time. So, I am on the fence with it during the 1st trimester, but only on the fence with it in the 1st trimester.

candicek15 · October 2015

mkemommy said:

I don't think I'm going to wait. I have to get on a plane to India in November and will be stuck with hundreds of other people who might be sick in constantly rotating air for over 18 hours of flying time alone (plus time in airports/layovers). I'll talk to my doctor in two weeks but I think the risk of not getting the shot outweigh the risk of getting it. I'll get the preservative free one obviously. The statistics out there overwhelmingly point to the flu shot not only being safe during pregnancy but leading to better results for baby. Here is a recent study link - LINK HERE though it doesn't provide trimester by trimester breakdown it does point to the fact that these vaccinations are beneficial

Totally hijacking here, but where in India are you going? I went about a year and a half ago and it was awesome!

RMR7779 · October 2015

When's was pregnant 2 years ago my doctor said don't get it in first tri- I didn't know things had changed. I'll wait till after I talk to my dr at my 8 week appt. I do work with kids so I probably should get it.

aloha5736 · October 2015

@RMR7779 the CDC used to say no during first trimester, now I can't see anything that says that. I hate that I'm required hence why I didn't bother to research it much, I didn't have a choice, or they'll fire me by November 15th LOL.

sorarose · October 2015

I happened to get mine a week before I found out I was KU this time. I work with kids, so I would likely get mine ASAP (especially since it takes 2 weeks for antibodies to kick in). Everything I've read on the subject says to do it whenever, but I would ask OB.

mkemommy · October 2015

candicek15 said:

mkemommy said:

I don't think I'm going to wait. I have to get on a plane to India in November and will be stuck with hundreds of other people who might be sick in constantly rotating air for over 18 hours of flying time alone (plus time in airports/layovers). I'll talk to my doctor in two weeks but I think the risk of not getting the shot outweigh the risk of getting it. I'll get the preservative free one obviously. The statistics out there overwhelmingly point to the flu shot not only being safe during pregnancy but leading to better results for baby. Here is a recent study link - LINK HERE though it doesn't provide trimester by trimester breakdown it does point to the fact that these vaccinations are beneficial

Totally hijacking here, but where in India are you going? I went about a year and a half ago and it was awesome!

India is great, isn't it? I'll be primarily in Dehli and Noida visiting with H's family. H is from India so we go every year and a half or so. They took me to Agra the first time I went so I could see the Taj and the Red Fort, which were breathtaking. We were supposed to go to Kerala this time too but we won't have time. Where did you go?

LizM61409 · October 2015

CupcakesRamazing said:
Idk if something happens s to my mind and they have issues I'll never forgive myself. I know in being silly is just- pregnant women are told "no cafenine, no rare meat, no hot dogs, no soft cheese; But here have this shot with formaldehyde we promise it won't hurt anything".

If I get it I know it will cause me non stop anxiety until my LO is born.

If I were you i'd be more anxious about ending up in the icu on a ventilator. Pregnant women who get the flu get sick as shit

aamm04 · October 2015

CupcakesRamazing said:
Anyone else avoiding getting it during the first trimester? Please- I'm pro vax and my DD has all hers on time and she will be getting her flu shot. I however can't bring myself to do it during first trimester. I feel like there's so much critical happening and don't want to do anything that would cause me anxiety. I know I'm being side eyed for this- but anyone else?

I totally expect better from you.

The CDC says it is safe during first trimester. For most of us, flu season will be here before we're out of the first trimester. Get your flu shot.

BOH1025 · October 2015

I am not getting one until 2nd tri. @VikingGirl12 I am a heart mommy too. No fun

lalala2004 · October 2015

CupcakesRamazing said:
Idk if something happens s to my mind and they have issues I'll never forgive myself. I know in being silly is just- pregnant women are told "no cafenine, no rare meat, no hot dogs, no soft cheese; But here have this shot with formaldehyde we promise it won't hurt anything".

If I get it I know it will cause me non stop anxiety until my LO is born.

But won't you feel just as bad if you get the flu and something goes wrong as well? I just don't get how you weigh that out.

aamm04 · October 2015

lalala2004 said:

CupcakesRamazing said:
Idk if something happens s to my mind and they have issues I'll never forgive myself. I know in being silly is just- pregnant women are told "no cafenine, no rare meat, no hot dogs, no soft cheese; But here have this shot with formaldehyde we promise it won't hurt anything".

If I get it I know it will cause me non stop anxiety until my LO is born.
But won't you feel just as bad if you get the flu and something goes wrong as well? I just don't get how you weigh that out.

Especially when the research says it's totally fine to get...but that getting the flu while pregnant can cause death.

aloha5736 · October 2015

There is a preservative free flu vaccine (that is what I requested). It should deff be single dose vile, the persevatives to the best of my knowledge are in the multi dose ones. I think it's personal preference, but if I didnt have a huge exposure risk I MAY not get it. Although remember us being pregnant makes us more susceptible

I didn't have the choice, so I didn't think twice. They say many things cause no harm, then years later they find out it actually did and pull it from the recommendations. That's my issue and why I'm skeptical.

saladflambe · October 2015

I was iffy on getting it, but then DH came home with what seemed to be the flu, and I freaked out. Fortunately, he did not have the flu. But, we both now have gotten our flu shots. Not risking that again.

mkemommy · October 2015

lalala2004 said:

Idk if something happens s to my mind and they have issues I'll never forgive myself. I know in being silly is just- pregnant women are told "no cafenine, no rare meat, no hot dogs, no soft cheese; But here have this shot with formaldehyde we promise it won't hurt anything". If I get it I know it will cause me non stop anxiety until my LO is born.
But won't you feel just as bad if you get the flu and something goes wrong as well? I just don't get how you weigh that out.

I agree and this is what I don't get either. I would get it if someone could lay it out scientifically. I'm still searching for all of these percentage numbers but here is how I'm trying to analyze the issue:

(1) My general risk of getting the flu while pregnant (which I know is greater than the general populations' risk) is A% with all the usual precautions (hand sanitation, etc.) and the risk that it leads to complications that impact my child is B% (taking into account vaccination effectiveness too);

(2) The risk of getting the flu shot and having a child with an impairment or dealing with a miscarriage is C%;

(3) The risk of having a child with an impairment or dealing with a miscarriage without getting the flu shot is D%;

(4) What is the difference between C% and D%? Again all the studies I've found has said there is no difference so the relative risk of getting the shot vs not is likely close to 0% (but if anyone can find a scientific study to the contrary I would genuinely love to read it to be better informed).

(5) If no different, or the risk of C% is even slightly elevated compared to D%, then how does C% compare to B% (I can pretty much guarantee you it will be lower than B%).

Sorry, don't mean to get on a technical journey but I'd rather be technical and search out these answers than just go with my gut and hope my gut is right. Keep in mind, not making an active choice (i.e., not getting the vaccine) is still a choice with risks....my goal is to quantify them.

FutureMrsCAF · October 2015

Do what is best for you, but my OB said today to get it asap. She even wrote me a script for it. DD got hers yesterday (and didn't cry, I'm super proud!!) and DH will get his at work. No flu for us please! DH is a teacher and brings home the nastiest germs so we do everything we can to stay healthy.

noslen0519 · October 2015

I'll be getting mine at my appt on 10/21 as long as my OB is okay with getting it during first tri. I get it every year!

ETA: DD is getting hers the day before at the ped.

runnindownthedream · October 2015

The whole family will be getting theirs in the next month. You have to do what you feel is right.

sthomas1222 · October 2015

mkemommy said:

lalala2004 said:

CupcakesRamazing said:
Idk if something happens s to my mind and they have issues I'll never forgive myself. I know in being silly is just- pregnant women are told "no cafenine, no rare meat, no hot dogs, no soft cheese; But here have this shot with formaldehyde we promise it won't hurt anything".

If I get it I know it will cause me non stop anxiety until my LO is born.
But won't you feel just as bad if you get the flu and something goes wrong as well? I just don't get how you weigh that out.

I agree and this is what I don't get either. I would get it if someone could lay it out scientifically. I'm still searching for all of these percentage numbers but here is how I'm trying to analyze the issue:

(1) My general risk of getting the flu while pregnant (which I know is greater than the general populations' risk) is A% with all the usual precautions (hand sanitation, etc.) and the risk that it leads to complications that impact my child is B% (taking into account vaccination effectiveness too);

(2) The risk of getting the flu shot and having a child with an impairment or dealing with a miscarriage is C%;

(3) The risk of having a child with an impairment or dealing with a miscarriage without getting the flu shot is D%;

(4) What is the difference between C% and D%? Again all the studies I've found has said there is no difference so the relative risk of getting the shot vs not is likely close to 0% (but if anyone can find a scientific study to the contrary I would genuinely love to read it to be better informed).

(5) If no different, or the risk of C% is even slightly elevated compared to D%, then how does C% compare to B% (I can pretty much guarantee you it will be lower than B%).

Sorry, don't mean to get on a technical journey but I'd rather be technical and search out these answers than just go with my gut and hope my gut is right. Keep in mind, not making an active choice (i.e., not getting the vaccine) is still a choice with risks....my goal is to quantify them.

Hah good luck with that.
I'm a nurse. I have til next week to get it (if they get enough in, they keep running out). Otherwise I have to wear a mask from Nov 1 through March. And I can't do that without eventually hyperventilating & passing out

NicknShan · October 2015

I went in and told my doc I was pregnant, and the first thing she told me to do was get a flu shot.

@CupcakesRamazing I agree that you should do whatever you are comfortable with, but I would encourage you to look more into getting a flu shot.

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