Flu Shot during pregnancy?

jerseygirl9090 · November 2015

My doctor gives all pregnant women the flu shot (inactive one). I've only ever gotten the flu shot once and that's the year I got the flu. I don't want to get the flu shot this year but I know you are more susceptible to sickness while pregnant. My mom is completely against it and does not think I should get the shot. Any thoughts on getting the flu shot while pregnant?

lm45678 · November 2015

I absolutely would. It's important that your baby gets some immunities from you as they will not be getting any vaccines when they first arrive.

I also can't imagine having the flu while pregnant!

dennyandlee · November 2015

I got the flu shot very shortly after I found out I was pregnant. I never had any symptoms or side-effects aside from a sore arm. Is there a reason your mom is completely against it?

The information below is from the CDC website. I'd go with their recommendation. Just my take on it.

Why should pregnant women get a flu shot?

Flu is more likely to cause severe illness in pregnant women than in healthy women who are not pregnant. Changes in the immune system, heart, and lungs during pregnancy make pregnant women (and women who have recently given birth) more prone to severe illness from flu, as well as to hospitalizations and even death. Getting the flu during pregnancy also raises the risks of pregnancy complications, including premature labor and delivery. Studies have shown that vaccinating a pregnant woman can pass antibodies on to the baby that will protect against flu for six months after birth.

CDC recommends that pregnant women get a flu shot during any trimester of their pregnancy to protect themselves, their unborn babies, and their newborn babies from flu. The nasal spray vaccine is not recommended for use in pregnant women.

goldie987 · November 2015

It's safe. It's impossible to get the flu from a flu shot (you can only get it from the nasal spray only if you're severely immunocompromised).

The CDC classes pregnant women as high risk. You're more likely to get the flu and you're more likely to suffer complications. Also, the flu comes paired with a 3+ day 102-103 degree fever. Hot baths are out during pregnancy because the heat is bad for the baby, the flu is like a multi day hot bath.

Even if the flu shot this year has the same poor effectivity as last year (around 20%) that's still 20% lower risk of flu.

The flu can be dangerous, it kills over 30,000 people every year in the US alone. Don't risk your life or the life of your baby over something as simple as a prick and some muscle soreness.

I got my flu shot at 4w0d. My baby is growing right on target, a bit big if anything. I'm glad that I've done all I can to protect my growing baby.

jerseygirl9090 · November 2015

She never got it and says she doesn't think its a good idea but maybe she is just old fashioned lol. I will probably go with the CDCs recommendation and get the shot.

mrsschmity · November 2015

I fully plan on getting the flu shot as well, and fully agree with PPs comments about passing on that immunity to baby once they are born.

matthewsdm · November 2015

I got mine and had the same as above, just a sore arm. I've gotten it with all three pregnancies now and had no issues! Better safe than sorry is my thought.

goldie987 · November 2015

kimberlydonnelly90 said:
She never got it and says she doesn't think its a good idea but maybe she is just old fashioned lol. I will probably go with the CDCs recommendation and get the shot.

My FIL was the same, there were apparently some contaminated batches back in the '70s (or something like that) and it wasn't until the past year or two that he's been comfortable getting them again, when his already very sick MIL caught the flu and ended up in the hospital on life support.

jerseygirl9090 · November 2015

I don't mind shots, needles or soreness at all. My husband is in the military and they make him get it and he got really sick from it this year but he got the active one and nasal spray I think. But I definitely think its a good idea for me to get it after reading up about it online. Thanks for the replies

jerseygirl9090 · November 2015

Yeah that could be why. I'm sorry that happened to him

AmberLiz99 · November 2015

I always get it while pregnant. It's not possible to get the flu from the current flu shots, that's a myth, so it shouldn't make you sick.

jerseygirl9090 · November 2015

Oh maybe it was just food poisoning or something but the day my husband got it he was really sick and he never gets sick.

matthewsdm · November 2015

I think a lot of people mistake the stomach flu for influenza as well. The flu shot doesn't prevent stomach bugs, it prevents the nasty, dangerous respiratory type flu! I always hear of people that got the flu show and then eventually throw up, but the two are unrelated.

goldie987 · November 2015

matthewsdm said:
I think a lot of people mistake the stomach flu for influenza as well. The flu shot doesn't prevent stomach bugs, it prevents the nasty, dangerous respiratory type flu! I always hear of people that got the flu show and then eventually throw up, but the two are unrelated.

^^This. Influenza doesn't cause puking in adults. Sorry, pet peeve of mine .

LizM61409 · November 2015

Influenza is also VERY different from just a run of the mill cold. The flu shot will not prevent colds/sinus infections/etc so a lot of people who say "i got the shot and got the flu anyways" didn't actually have true influenza, just a common cold virus.
I got my shot at 5 weeks, though I get it every year anyways

LizM61409 · November 2015

kimberlydonnelly90 said:
My doctor gives all pregnant women the flu shot (inactive one). I've only ever gotten the flu shot once and that's the year I got the flu. I don't want to get the flu shot this year but I know you are more susceptible to sickness while pregnant. My mom is completely against it and does not think I should get the shot. Any thoughts on getting the flu shot while pregnant?

I'm guessing your doctor plus the cdc are more knowledgable about whether pregnant women should get a flu shot compared to your mother (just a guess, I have no idea whether she has had any medical training). Moms are great for lots of things, but maybe not medical advice

augbride87 · November 2015

I got the flu shot right after I found out I was pregnant. They were offering it for free at work and I knew the OB would want me to get it anyway! I have never been opposed to the flu shot in general, but if I was I would suck up my personal feelings and put my babies needs first. Getting sick with the flu is so dangerous when you are pregnant why put yourself and your child at an unnecessary risk.

fishwife799 · November 2015

I will be getting it as well as a tdap (around 32weeks) durning this pregnancy. Better safe than sorry.

Kballew10 · November 2015

Speaking as somebody who is currently at home with the flu: Get the shot. This is awful. My OB told me to go get it as soon as I feel better. I plan on following that advice.

Wyattnash00 · November 2015

Definitely get the shot!

WinniethePoohsPants · November 2015

I already got my flu shot weeks ago - while pregnant.

What I'm wondering however is why you would trust the advice of internet strangers over that of your doctor...

But yes, vaccinating at your doctors recommendation is always a good idea.

Scout27 · November 2015

Yes to the flu shot! I get it every year (I have asthma and am higher risk even when not pregnant) and got mine this year at 6 weeks. Also, encourage your SO to get the flu shot as well. It is not 100% and depending on which strains crop up this year, it's overall effectiveness will vary. Best to make sure you're both as protected as you can be.

susiec923 · November 2015

I just got mine last Friday. I was very hesitant bc I was afraid of possibly harming the baby because of some side effect (idk maybe my crazy thoughts), but I did some reading, talked to my Dr, & ultimately decided that the flu itself would be far worse than the "what-ifs" of getting the shot. I was given the preservative free dose at walgreens... forgot to add that I'm a middle school teacher & surrounded by germs all day!

maddmama · November 2015

I get the flu shot every year and I got it the day before I found out I was pregnant this year! I think you should do it for the safety of both you and the baby! They even asked if I was pregnant before I got the shot and I informed the doc we were trying so it was very possible and she still recommended I get it.

jerseygirl9090 · November 2015

I have nothing against the flu shot. I was just looking for other peoples thoughts on getting the shot while pregnant. I will get the shot however after hearing other peoples opinions. As I said above my husband already has gotten it because he is in the military and my doctor is military doctor/ hospital. Other moms have had issues and complications during their pregnancy because of this particular hospital/doctors so I am a little hesitant to just do what they tell me too. But its the hospital we have to go to because my husbands military. Thanks for the advice/thoughts on it I plan on getting the flu shot my question has been answered!

youenjoymyself · November 2015

Get the shot. It will protect baby in his/her first 6 months of life.

colesmom33 · November 2015

I got mine! I agree with everyone else! With this and my last pregnancy, my doctors kept saying how dangerous it is for pregnant women to get the flu.

meggyme · November 2015

@kimberlydonnelly90 you should also have the option to switch to Tricare Standard and see a civilian doctor. My husband is Navy and that's what I did. I'm already happy with the decision and all the same medically necessary prenatal care should be free.

jerseygirl9090 · November 2015

We were going to do that but the area we live in has no decent hospitals or doctors in the local area. The hospital in town in worse then the one on base

Atlast111 · November 2015

The flu jab works to cover 4 strains of flu. 2 A Types and 2 B Types. Every year the world health organisation has to predict which 4 strains it thinks are going to occur. Unfortunately flu mutates very quickly and a new strain was discovered in March after vaccine production for last winter. This meant that only 1/3 of people were covered last year in the uk. I would recommend getting it as it's better than nothing. I myself have decided not to get it as I had flu in April, so will take my chances as adults statistically get flu every 5-7 years. I have also had a number of friends who got fairly sick after their jab. Hopefully this year's jab will be more effective!

mrsp2213 · November 2015

I have always been very anti flu shot. Like you the only time I ever got the flu was the year I got the shot and that was 10 years ago. My husband was very against me getting it during pregnancy but I ended up getting one at my first appointment, not for me, but for the baby. I figure my OB went to school for years and years and knows more about what is best for this baby than I do at this point so I will heed any and all advice she gives me. I was also in the small glass of wine every now and then camp but after talking to her I am firmly in the no alcohol whatsoever camp. Since I've gotten the shot I've thrown up twice, once two days after I got the shot and again last night. Never threw up this entire pregnancy but I do know there's a very good chance it's due to pregnancy and not the shot. I pray everyday I do not have the flu but we'll see how the winter goes. I just keep telling myself it's for baby, not for me.

NicknShan · November 2015

mrsp2213 said:

I have always been very anti flu shot. Like you the only time I ever got the flu was the year I got the shot and that was 10 years ago. My husband was very against me getting it during pregnancy but I ended up getting one at my first appointment, not for me, but for the baby. I figure my OB went to school for years and years and knows more about what is best for this baby than I do at this point so I will heed any and all advice she gives me. I was also in the small glass of wine every now and then camp but after talking to her I am firmly in the no alcohol whatsoever camp. Since I've gotten the shot I've thrown up twice, once two days after I got the shot and again last night. Never threw up this entire pregnancy but I do know there's a very good chance it's due to pregnancy and not the shot. I pray everyday I do not have the flu but we'll see how the winter goes. I just keep telling myself it's for baby, not for me.

It is not from the shot. Influenza does not make you throw up. If that's what happened 10 years ago... I guarantee it also wasn't the flu. Google influenza and read about the symptoms. And thank you to your OB and kudos to you for taking her advice! The flu shot is very important for pregnant women to get.

Sydvicious08 · November 2015

Nope. There has been no testing at all on pregnant women to see of it is safe (its considered unethical because the child has no choice) or followup on babies who were exposed to it in the womb. In fact, if your OB gives you a shot, they have to report who you are, the lot number and the date. That way if there are adverse reactors you can take steps to be compensated. I personally never get any shots while pregnant, but we are a little hippy on things in my family.
However, it's a very personal choice.
I especially would wait until the second trimester whatever you decide.

lm45678 · November 2015

I'm not going to fight, just post both of these articles from the CDC and The Mayo Clinic aka 2 of the most reputable medical sources in the United States.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/influenza/faq-20058522

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

mrsschmity · November 2015

sdnybrk said:

Nope. There has been no testing at all on pregnant women to see of it is safe (its considered unethical because the child has no choice) or followup on babies who were exposed to it in the womb. In fact, if your OB gives you a shot, they have to report who you are, the lot number and the date. That way if there are adverse reactors you can take steps to be compensated. I personally never get any shots while pregnant, but we are a little hippy on things in my family. However, it's a very personal choice. I especially would wait until the second trimester whatever you decide.

@sdnybrk I can respect your opinion, but have to disagree. When you say there has been no testing at all on pregnant women or their babies after birth, where are you getting this information? There are several medical studies that have been done. There are some even listed in the links @laurenm2123 provided. I agree it is a very personal choice, and you are most definitely entitled to your opinion.

*Edit for QBF

mrsschmity · November 2015

laurenm2123 said:

I'm not going to fight, just post both of these articles from the CDC and The Mayo Clinic aka 2 of the most reputable medical sources in the United States. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/influenza/faq-20058522 https://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/qa_vacpregnant.htm

june2016baby · November 2015

WinniethePoohsPants said:
I already got my flu shot weeks ago - while pregnant.

What I'm wondering however is why you would trust the advice of internet strangers over that of your doctor...

But yes, vaccinating at your doctors recommendation is always a good idea.

Well, usually when I ask a question on here, I'm not aiming to get advice that I'd potentially trust over my doctor's advice, I'm just trying to broaden my perspective. I'm not the OP, but I think her question was completely legit. I already got mine, but I still thought it was interesting to see other people's opinions.

LizM61409 · November 2015

sdnybrk said:
Nope. There has been no testing at all on pregnant women to see of it is safe (its considered unethical because the child has no choice) or followup on babies who were exposed to it in the womb. In fact, if your OB gives you a shot, they have to report who you are, the lot number and the date. That way if there are adverse reactors you can take steps to be compensated. I personally never get any shots while pregnant, but we are a little hippy on things in my family.
However, it's a very personal choice.
I especially would wait until the second trimester whatever you decide.

Please cite your evidence.

WinniethePoohsPants · November 2015

WinniethePoohPants: I already got my flu shot weeks ago - while pregnant.
What I'm wondering however is why you would trust the advice of internet strangers over that of your doctor...
But yes, vaccinating at your doctors recommendation is always a good idea.

@june2016baby :Well, usually when I ask a question on here, I'm not aiming to get advice that I'd potentially trust over my doctor's advice, I'm just trying to broaden my perspective. I'm not the OP, but I think her question was completely legit. I already got mine, but I still thought it was interesting to see other people's opinions.

_______________QBF____________________________________________

I never said the OP's questions was illegitimate; I'm merely reminding OP that her doctor's advice is probably better than that of a bunch of internet stranger's beliefs.

I'm also easily annoyed by the suggestion of declining a recommended vaccination.

goldie987 · November 2015

I just want to say I am so proud of the ladies of TB right now. My social circle is mostly science people who are provax but you always hear about the epidemic of declining vax rates on the news. So glad to see so many rational people here

jerseygirl9090 · November 2015

Again I was not saying that I am declining my doctors recommendation. I would just simply like other peoples experiences and views/opinions on getting vaccinated that's all.

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