Flu Shots

kinnonam · November 2015

Hi ladies have any of you spoke with your doctor about getting a flu shot? Have you already received one? I'm a little skeptical about getting one, I've never gotten one before and have only gotten the flu once. Any thought?

Shatzegirl · November 2015

My midwife recommended it since pregnant women are considered a high risk group. I don't usually get them so I've been putting it off. I got REALLY sick for a month during my last pregnancy (I don't remember if I got one or not but I'm leaning toward no) so maybe it's for the best to get it?

mamacastro · November 2015

I got mine at last appt a couple weeks ago, I was fine

acuteangles · November 2015

kinnonam said:

Hi ladies have any of you spoke with your doctor about getting a flu shot? Have you already received one? I'm a little skeptical about getting one, I've never gotten one before and have only gotten the flu once. Any thought?

I got it at my last appointment. The flu virus is much more detrimental to you and your unborn fetus than it is to you when not pregnant, so it is highly suggested, although of course it is your decision to make. There's really not lot of "science" to support claims that the flu shot will hurt you or your baby, and there's plenty of research to show that it can improve your chances of not getting the flu, so I don't think you should be too concerned about getting it. There's another slightly older thread that discusses it as well and might be helpful for you to read. I've pasted it below. Just keep in mind that this is sometimes a hot topic for people, and that your decision should be based on your doctor's recommendations and your own research on the topic, not the opinions of others.

https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/12625686/flu-shot-concern/p1

cantobean · November 2015

You should absolutely get one. Protect yourself and your baby.

wisco29 · November 2015

Never gotten one and as of now I don't plan to get one.

camusoh2011 · November 2015

I still need to get mine. I'm high risk due to having twins and I work around kids all day, so it really is best for me to go ahead and get it.

charliegoldengirl · November 2015

Delivering during flu season and working at a school with germy kids made me decide to go for it this year. Hopefully they picked the right strand this year!

satuttle1014 · November 2015

I would definitely get it. My doctor told me to get it and encouraged my DH to get it as well. I never get the flu either but if I don't get it, this will be the time I do and while pregnant, no thanks!

jellybellybean3 · November 2015

I had mine done today actually. First time in my life.. I am pro vaccine I just never believed the flu shot was worth it before but being pregnant puts us at extra risk, as well as our babies. I think the main reason is because my dad actually had pneumonia last month and he was so sick he ended up in the hospital and then I was terrified that I was going to get it too. I started googling it during pregnancy and that was a big mistake, sheesh. I know the flu shot doesn't always protect and it only catches certain strains so the chance is still there, but it sure makes me feel more comfortable this year.

g8trkim · November 2015

I got mine a couple weeks ago. I don't know any medical professional who wouldn't advise it, especially being pregnant and being due during flu season.

22snc12 · November 2015

I didn't get one when I was pregnant with my son. I did get one this time, since I'll be pregnant through flu season. My doctor said a lot of pregnant women end up in the ICU from getting the flu. Not something I want to chance. Normally I wouldn't get one though.

maureenmce · November 2015

Echoing PP, I'd definitely suggest it, since we'll be pregnant through the worst of flu season. It's much more harmful if you get it while pregnant than any other time, so even if you don't typically get it, I'd make an exception while expecting. I got mine already and my husband is getting his next week.

Cheryl Renee · November 2015

Almost everyone I know who has gotten the flu vaccine has come down with the flu. Not to mention, I've heard the flu vaccine only treats the most common strand of the virus, so if you catch a different stand, it won't do you any good.

I've had the flu twice in my life. Once in middle school and I was sick for two weeks, ran a high enough fever that I remember hallucinating! I couldn't walk on my own. It was awful. I got a mild case of it right after my baby was born, she was 3 months old. The worst part of it was having to send her to my sister's for three days while I recovered. So yeah, no thanks on the shot!

ashton2190 · November 2015

Unless you are allergic to the ingredients in the shot or have a compromised immune system, it's best to get the shot. You can't actually get the flu from the shot because it's a dead virus. It's better to have a sore arm and fatigue than to be flat on your back and potentially risk your baby's life with the full-blown flu

ohbaby714 · November 2015

Cheryl Renee said:
Almost everyone I know who has gotten the flu vaccine has come down with the flu. Not to mention, I've heard the flu vaccine only treats the most common strand of the virus, so if you catch a different stand, it won't do you any good.

I've had the flu twice in my life. Once in middle school and I was sick for two weeks, ran a high enough fever that I remember hallucinating! I couldn't walk on my own. It was awful. I got a mild case of it right after my baby was born, she was 3 months old. The worst part of it was having to send her to my sister's for three days while I recovered. So yeah, no thanks on the shot!

You cannot get the flu from the flu shot.

dragonfly321 · November 2015

I got my flu shot for the first time in ever this fall. The only thing I got from it was a sore arm (which is a good thing- means they got it in the right spot) AND I felt a little sluggish for a couple days- which is your body's immune system reacting to the virus. I felt completely normal after less than 48 hours. definitely didn't get the flu!

cvolkmar · November 2015

My doctor wanted me to get it (preservative free) and the whooping cough vaccine. I got it last week, it's nothing. For me, it was a no brainer. I teach 7 year olds. They're human Petri dishes.

mamacat315 · November 2015

I got one a couple of weeks ago. It's free for pregnant women where I live, and the flu is the worst. I've always gotten then as I was a high school teacher for many years. Why would you not??

tabauder · November 2015

They suggested getting a flu shot but I turned it down. I got a flu shot ONE time and that is the ONLY year I ever got the flu! It's not that I'm against it, just had a bad experience with it. Plus I am not at high risk for getting the flu (my husband is my only co-worker)

glitteryant · November 2015

You should definitely get it. Our babies are going to be born in February, which is in the middle of flu season. Your immunity will pass to the baby and protect him or her in the first months of life. Plus, getting the flu during pregnancy can be deadly, as your immune system is compromised. I'm kind of surprised so many people aren't getting it; it is really important for you and the baby.

skschnake · November 2015

I got mine a few weeks ago. At first I told the nurse no and she told me my doctor would eventually make me get it. Women who are pregnant and get the flu usually end up in the hospital. I dont want to take that chance with my baby. It was also a different kind of shot for only pregnant women.

satuttle1014 · November 2015

glitteryant said:

You should definitely get it. Our babies are going to be born in February, which is in the middle of flu season. Your immunity will pass to the baby and protect him or her in the first months of life. Plus, getting the flu during pregnancy can be deadly, as your immune system is compromised. I'm kind of surprised so many people aren't getting it; it is really important for you and the baby.

All of this; exactly how I feel. I made sure I got it especially being pregnant. I don't understand how people are not getting it even if they have gotten the flu before. I wouldn't want to risk it and where I live right now something is already going around. I'm like I will see you after the flu season! Totally kidding, but I feel like that sometimes.

Lola2o1 · November 2015

There was a huge debate and thread to this question already a few months ago.

ashcody2 · November 2015

kinnonam said:

Hi ladies have any of you spoke with your doctor about getting a flu shot? Have you already received one? I'm a little skeptical about getting one, I've never gotten one before and have only gotten the flu once. Any thought?

I got mine a couple weeks ago, I hadn't had one since the birth of DS - I've actually never had the flu but decided since I have a toddler who attends daycare full-time I figured it'd be best to just go ahead and get one. They were offering a "no appointment" day at my OB's office so I went in the 16th of Oct. Just thought it'd be best to be safe!

hopes4baby · November 2015

I got the flu shot.
You absolutely CAN'T get the flu from the flu shot.
Being sick with the flu while pregnant can be devastating for your baby.

MrsAguirre117 · November 2015

I got my flu shot about a month ago. My doctor was a huge advocate of me getting it. I had it done and no reactions or side effects.

pettycrocker · November 2015

The only time I bother with the flu shot is when I'm pregnant. I got it at the OB office with both pregnancies.

22snc12 · November 2015

ohbaby714 said:

Cheryl Renee said:
Almost everyone I know who has gotten the flu vaccine has come down with the flu. Not to mention, I've heard the flu vaccine only treats the most common strand of the virus, so if you catch a different stand, it won't do you any good.

I've had the flu twice in my life. Once in middle school and I was sick for two weeks, ran a high enough fever that I remember hallucinating! I couldn't walk on my own. It was awful. I got a mild case of it right after my baby was born, she was 3 months old. The worst part of it was having to send her to my sister's for three days while I recovered. So yeah, no thanks on the shot!
You cannot get the flu from the flu shot.

Yep what she said! You only get it if you were ALREADY exposed to it.

cantobean · November 2015

Cheryl Renee said:
Almost everyone I know who has gotten the flu vaccine has come down with the flu. Not to mention, I've heard the flu vaccine only treats the most common strand of the virus, so if you catch a different stand, it won't do you any good.

I've had the flu twice in my life. Once in middle school and I was sick for two weeks, ran a high enough fever that I remember hallucinating! I couldn't walk on my own. It was awful. I got a mild case of it right after my baby was born, she was 3 months old. The worst part of it was having to send her to my sister's for three days while I recovered. So yeah, no thanks on the shot!

I'm confused, if you had the flu and it was terrible, why aren't you getting the shot? The flu shot CANNOT give you the flu. It does not contain a live virus. As you said, it protects against most, not all strains (this year's protects against 10 strains, pretty good odds!) so it is still possible, though not likely, to come down with the flu.

The flu is one of the deadliest viruses. Thousands die annually, and totally needlessly. There is no good reason for a healthy person NOT to get this vaccine.

Achae · November 2015

cantobean said:

Almost everyone I know who has gotten the flu vaccine has come down with the flu. Not to mention, I've heard the flu vaccine only treats the most common strand of the virus, so if you catch a different stand, it won't do you any good.

I've had the flu twice in my life. Once in middle school and I was sick for two weeks, ran a high enough fever that I remember hallucinating! I couldn't walk on my own. It was awful. I got a mild case of it right after my baby was born, she was 3 months old. The worst part of it was having to send her to my sister's for three days while I recovered. So yeah, no thanks on the shot!
I'm confused, if you had the flu and it was terrible, why aren't you getting the shot? The flu shot CANNOT give you the flu. It does not contain a live virus. As you said, it protects against most, not all strains (this year's protects against 10 strains, pretty good odds!) so it is still possible, though not likely, to come down with the flu. The flu is one of the deadliest viruses. Thousands die annually, and totally needlessly. There is no good reason for a healthy person NOT to get this vaccine.

My OB also advised that even if you do get the flu, if you got the shot it will make the flu less severe/take less time to recover.

sheslikeasunburn · November 2015

Cheryl Renee said:

Almost everyone I know who has gotten the flu vaccine has come down with the flu. Not to mention, I've heard the flu vaccine only treats the most common strand of the virus, so if you catch a different stand, it won't do you any good.

I've had the flu twice in my life. Once in middle school and I was sick for two weeks, ran a high enough fever that I remember hallucinating! I couldn't walk on my own. It was awful. I got a mild case of it right after my baby was born, she was 3 months old. The worst part of it was having to send her to my sister's for three days while I recovered. So yeah, no thanks on the shot!

Monkeybutt80 · November 2015

I got mine last appointment. My dr recommends it and regardless of being pregnant or not, I get it every year. I have NEVER gotten the flu from the flu shot as that is impossible. I hate that it makes my arm sore for a couple of days, but I will take that over the flu.

dragonfly321 · November 2015

Bottom line ladies... GET THE FLU SHOT.
"I've never gotten the flu" isn't an excuse here. Our immune systems are compromised right now and getting the flu can be VERY harmful to baby. The flu shot will not harm your baby. And will provide immunity when they are born DURING FLU SEASON.
How much more common sense can you get?!

sheslikeasunburn · November 2015

I have never gotten the flu, and this year is the first time I have ever gotten the shot. For me it was an obvious choice given the heightened risk to me and baby. It's foolish to think a history of not having the flu will have any bearing on this or future years. Statistics 101.

candace4erich · November 2015

I didn't get the flu shot for 27 years and I didn't get the flu for 27 years. Then one year, I got the flu. It was one of the strains that I would have been protected against if I had gotten the flu shot. It was the worst two weeks of sickness (and I've had a lot of random things in my life!). I got mine at my 16 week appointment back in September.

Bottom line, just like most everyone is saying, there no reason not to get the flu shot. There is ZERO science correlating the flu shot to getting the flu. The flu shot takes 2 weeks to be fully active in your immune system, which is considerably longer than the incubation period of 1-4 days. That likely means that people who "got the flu" from the flu shot, likely picked it up from someone in the doctor's office waiting room who was already sick. Also, like everyone else has said, the flu shot will pass on immunization to your newborn, who won't be able to get a vaccine for a while.

Long story short, get the flu shot and get it sooner rather than later so your body can develop the antibodies before you are exposed to the virus somewhere else.

kirkie928 · November 2015

I got mine today at my appointment

I did find it anoying that DH has to go somehere else to get it and the T-Dap.

g8trkim · November 2015

Cheryl Renee said:

Almost everyone I know who has gotten the flu vaccine has come down with the flu. Not to mention, I've heard the flu vaccine only treats the most common strand of the virus, so if you catch a different stand, it won't do you any good.

I've had the flu twice in my life. Once in middle school and I was sick for two weeks, ran a high enough fever that I remember hallucinating! I couldn't walk on my own. It was awful. I got a mild case of it right after my baby was born, she was 3 months old. The worst part of it was having to send her to my sister's for three days while I recovered. So yeah, no thanks on the shot!

That just makes no sense.

MamaFroFro · November 2015

Cheryl Renee said:
Almost everyone I know who has gotten the flu vaccine has come down with the flu. Not to mention, I've heard the flu vaccine only treats the most common strand of the virus, so if you catch a different stand, it won't do you any good.

I've had the flu twice in my life. Once in middle school and I was sick for two weeks, ran a high enough fever that I remember hallucinating! I couldn't walk on my own. It was awful. I got a mild case of it right after my baby was born, she was 3 months old. The worst part of it was having to send her to my sister's for three days while I recovered. So yeah, no thanks on the shot!

Now imagine having the flu while pregnant. I cannot comprehend your logic. The vaccination does not give you the flu!

Jellybelly119 · November 2015

Cheryl Renee said:
Almost everyone I know who has gotten the flu vaccine has come down with the flu. Not to mention, I've heard the flu vaccine only treats the most common strand of the virus, so if you catch a different stand, it won't do you any good.

I've had the flu twice in my life. Once in middle school and I was sick for two weeks, ran a high enough fever that I remember hallucinating! I couldn't walk on my own. It was awful. I got a mild case of it right after my baby was born, she was 3 months old. The worst part of it was having to send her to my sister's for three days while I recovered. So yeah, no thanks on the shot!

xokateox · November 2015

I just want to add to the "get a flu shot" chorus. Get the shot! You can get it right at your OBs office, the drugstore, or even at your work place in some cases! No brainier in my opinion once my doctor recommended it. I never got one before I was pregnant because I was just ambivalent I guess but with everything else we do (food restrictions) to avoid getting sick while pregnant, why not this too?

Question for the group though, I've heard from some posters in the past that you should ask family members to get the flu shot if they're going to be near your baby a lot. But if your shot passes immunity to your unborn baby, than wouldn't it be overkill to ask everyone to get the shot also? I know I should ask a doctor this question instead but, whatever...

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