Totally agree with you @shaunessa! I don't care if people do or don't get them but let's not get dramatic about it.
Yeah I've never had the flu shot and don't plan on getting one. My ob was totally fine with either way.
Just my two cents ladies, if you get it or not is your own personal decision and let's not bash those who do or don't get them. I hate vaccine debates with a passion as everyone is SO strongly one way or another. Everyone does what's best for them and their family, end of story.
Yeah, the flaw with this argument is that vaccinations are a public health issue, not your standard live-and-let-live parenting choice. This DOES affect other people - A LOT of other people. Herd immunity is real and is necessary and sadly is on the decline. I get vaccinations for myself and my child for our own good but also for the good of those around me.
I don't get the flu shot. The only time I got one was right after DD was born, at the end of September. I have never gotten the flu and worked in a daycare for years, went to a very large public university had jobs around many people. This year I literally sit at home with just my family like 95% of my time. I just don't feel comfortable with the flu shot, we do all other vaccines though. Go ahead and judge away. I am totally good with my decision.
Me: 28 year old SAHM/Birth Doula DH: 30 year old pneumatic electrical engineer
Married: October 8, 2011
DD1: September 24, 2013 BFP: June 25, 2016 and MC: July 3, 2016 DD2: April 16, 2017 BFP: November 30, 2018 EDD: August 14, 2019
I had a terrible, near death reaction to vaccines. I had the HPV and flu shot at the same office visit. Don't know which one almost killed me, but I refuse any vaccines for myself now. The reaction was so severe, I was advised to delay all vaccines for my daughter when she was born. I know my reaction is a highly unlikely side effect, but I wouldn't ever chance that again.
@annsor and your reason is a good one and that's why herd immunity is important. Those of us that can get vaccinations/flu shots need to so we can protect those who cannot!
I was never a big proponent of the flu shot just because I've never gotten the flu but got it last year because a pregnant friend insisted that anyone seeing her baby in the first few weeks get it (not a problem at all, was happy to oblige!). Then, at my 8 week appointment back in September, it was pretty non negotiatable with the OB and nurse. They also really stressed that DH get it as well.
The last two times I've gotten the flu shot I got horribly, horribly sick for multiple days. I was so sick, I was taking NyQuill just to sleep all day. It was brutal. I know they say that it's not the flu shot but it was the exact same sickness and it came up after getting the flu shot. I told my OB about it and she told me not to risk it and avoid the flu shot this year. I'm honestly terrified to get the shot again. Maybe one day I will try again.
The last two times I've gotten the flu shot I got horribly, horribly sick for multiple days. I was so sick, I was taking NyQuill just to sleep all day. It was brutal. I know they say that it's not the flu shot but it was the exact same sickness and it came up after getting the flu shot. I told my OB about it and she told me not to risk it and avoid the flu shot this year. I'm honestly terrified to get the shot again. Maybe one day I will try again.
The flu shot takes about 2 weeks to become effective (your body is learning how to fight the inactivated viruses it was exposed to and developing an immune response). You were exposed to the flu virus before your vaccine became effective, and that's why you got sick, not because of the shot.
I have bronchitis right now. I can't imagine getting the flu. It sounds like a total nightmare, especially since most useful medicines aren't allowed while pregnant. #givemeallthevaccines
I got mine as soon as it became available (mid-September) because I work in a retail pharmacy and I know I will be exposed pretty frequently. DH and DD got theirs in October.
I completely respect everybody's opinion on this and totally see both sides. I choose not to get a flu shot and both my family doc and my ob are more than fine with it. Not once did they say "it's your choice but I'd strongly advice you to get it". They can't say it but they seem more on the other end of the spectrum. I emailed my doc office and wanted more info as I was on the fence whether my DD should get a flu shot or not. A nurse replied that really completely took out all doubt for me. I wish I could find it again, but it said something like: "it's actually too early in the season to know what strand is going to be more prominent (this is October). So we try to come up with the best cocktail to hopefully cover the strain that may be more likely to cause an issue. strains can also change quickly making the shot ineffective. You are also more likely to get a cold or a similar viral infection during the first couple of weeks as our immune system may be weakened. The chances of getting the actual influenza is rather small but we advise especially kids and elderly to get the shot to protect themselves/"
So the flu cocktail is made up way before the season starts so it's a total crap shoot. They guess what strands to cover and last year that was proven to be not such an effective way because they missed the right strand.
I also see so many people who get it and end up sick every year. My FIL gets a flu shot every year but always ends up sick with bad bronchitis. He gets the shot, feels crappy right after and gets sick. So it seems like it really weakens his immune system during that initial period.
I know a lot of people say better end up with that than actual flu and I totally get that point of view as well. But to me it's just such a long shot and I'm not convinced.
Re: Flu Shot
DD1 born 3.2014
DD2 born 4.2017
DH: 30 year old pneumatic electrical engineer
BFP: June 25, 2016 and MC: July 3, 2016
DD2: April 16, 2017
BFP: November 30, 2018 EDD: August 14, 2019
I completely respect everybody's opinion on this and totally see both sides. I choose not to get a flu shot and both my family doc and my ob are more than fine with it. Not once did they say "it's your choice but I'd strongly advice you to get it". They can't say it but they seem more on the other end of the spectrum. I emailed my doc office and wanted more info as I was on the fence whether my DD should get a flu shot or not. A nurse replied that really completely took out all doubt for me. I wish I could find it again, but it said something like: "it's actually too early in the season to know what strand is going to be more prominent (this is October). So we try to come up with the best cocktail to hopefully cover the strain that may be more likely to cause an issue. strains can also change quickly making the shot ineffective. You are also more likely to get a cold or a similar viral infection during the first couple of weeks as our immune system may be weakened. The chances of getting the actual influenza is rather small but we advise especially kids and elderly to get the shot to protect themselves/"
So the flu cocktail is made up way before the season starts so it's a total crap shoot. They guess what strands to cover and last year that was proven to be not such an effective way because they missed the right strand.
I also see so many people who get it and end up sick every year. My FIL gets a flu shot every year but always ends up sick with bad bronchitis. He gets the shot, feels crappy right after and gets sick. So it seems like it really weakens his immune system during that initial period.
I know a lot of people say better end up with that than actual flu and I totally get that point of view as well. But to me it's just such a long shot and I'm not convinced.