H1N1 vaccination and pregnancy

[ptimonhill]

Hi everyone,
We are a delayed vaccination/no vaccination family and none of us have ever received the flu vaccine. I'm currently pregnant (due mid-Nov.) and I'm wondering if anyone has educated thoughts about my receiving the H1N1 vaccine when it's available in October?

I learned there is a thimerosal-free vaccine expected (why they'd continue to put that in vaccines when they can make it free from thimerosal is beyond me, and a whole separate discussion). Was thinking about getting it. I admit I'm falling victim to some of the scare campaign, on both sides of the discussion. Terrified to get the flu, but terrified to have the untested vaccination.

Would it be smarter to have the vaccine in Oct., wait until the baby's born so baby will be immune via breastfeeding, or skip the thing altogether? I should also say that I have a 4 year-old in preschool and a 2 year-old - both of which, like typical kids, occasionally bring home colds/viruses.

I can't tell you how much I rely on the wisdom and viewpoints expressed here to help me make my decisions. If anyone could point me in the right direction, I'd really appreciate it!

Take care,
Paula

[lilbsmama]

most definitely SKIP


If you don't get flu shots, what makes this one any different, just curious? I just think of it as any other flu, never had it, never been vaxed for it, so why worry, kwim?

[PinkinPA]

preliminary injunction to stop mandatory vaccinations has been issued in the United States District Court of New Jersey by Tim Vawter.

The Court, having heard the Motion for Preliminary Injunction and read the papers in its support, states in the Preliminary Injunction that it appears the federal government has engaged in some amount of negligence with regards to failure to properly investigate the safety of the flu vaccines scheduled for use in late 2009-2010, and the evidence submitted does warrant a more thorough investigation into the safety of the flu vaccines.

[phoenixc]

Stats

general, I'd be a no vaccine gal, too - however, pregnant moms accounted for 13 of the 45 H1N1 related deaths here in the U.S. I'd say wait for the therimol-free, but get the vaccine.

[ammiga]

Originally Posted by phoenixc

general, I'd be a no vaccine gal, too - however, pregnant moms accounted for 13 of the 45 H1N1 related deaths here in the U.S. I'd say wait for the therimol-free, but get the vaccine.

This makes no sense to me. The reason they recommend the vax for pregnant women is because of the baby, not because pregnant women are more likely to contract the flu.

H1N1 is no different than any other flu. If you don't vax for the flu, I wouldn't start with a brand new, barely tested, produced in a rushed fashion vax. No way.

They haven't even had enough time to test this on pregnant women and see the results on the babies that are born, much less and short or long term effects this vax might have. From what I understand, the vax isn't even being tested on pregnant women, and is not approved for babies under 6 months (which is exactly what you are carrying).

[lilbsmama]

Originally Posted by ammiga

This makes no sense to me. The reason they recommend the vax for pregnant women is because of the baby, not because pregnant women are more likely to contract the flu.

H1N1 is no different than any other flu. If you don't vax for the flu, I wouldn't start with a brand new, barely tested, produced in a rushed fashion vax. No way.

They haven't even had enough time to test this on pregnant women and see the results on the babies that are born, much less and short or long term effects this vax might have. From what I understand, the vax isn't even being tested on pregnant women, and is not approved for babies under 6 months (which is exactly what you are carrying).

:

[angie7]

Are you willing to put your unborn child's life on the line for research? This vaccine has not been tested on many people and definately not on any pregnant woman. I can't imagine even considering this shot especially pregnant. Stop watching fox news and think for yourself. Do your own research and trust that your body will do what it's suppose to do.

[JenBuckyfan]

I'm due in Feb and although I'm not anti-vax, at this time I'm not planning on getting the vaccine. I haven't planned on getting the normal flue vaccine (never have considered it even before pregnancy). I do agree it's scary watching pregnant women die from it - one just died out here this week. I don't know the whole story but they took the baby out quite premature as the woman had to be put into a medically induced coma and she just passed away this week. Not the dream I have for my family in any way, shape or form. However, it doesn't sit ok with me that the vaccine has not been tested that much and not on pregnant women. I'm definitely a bit more of a germaphobe in public areas now - I just plan on being extra vigilant in washing my hands, using antibacterial spray after touching highly public handles, etc.

[cloudswinger]

Originally Posted by ammiga

This makes no sense to me. The reason they recommend the vax for pregnant women is because of the baby, not because pregnant women are more likely to contract the flu.

H1N1 is no different than any other flu. If you don't vax for the flu, I wouldn't start with a brand new, barely tested, produced in a rushed fashion vax. No way.

They haven't even had enough time to test this on pregnant women and see the results on the babies that are born, much less and short or long term effects this vax might have. From what I understand, the vax isn't even being tested on pregnant women, and is not approved for babies under 6 months (which is exactly what you are carrying).

I wouldn't say that it is no different than any other flu. There are some specific effects from this flu. Other flus have other effects. People die from the flu all the time. They are not testing it on pregnant women, but are recommending it for pregnant women because of the effect this strain has been having on pregnant women. There has been a higher death rate in pregnant women than in the general population. Apparently the pregnant women have a harder time with the breathing problems it causes. Would it be ethical to test on pregnant women?

It's all about how much risk you are willing to take either way. Certain groups are more vulnerable. There is a risk to that vaccine. There's a risk to not being vaccinated. For most people, it's a pretty benign virus, and most people recover easily. But as a pregnant woman, you are at a higher risk of dying if you catch the flu. And the risk of dying is higher the further along you are, so it's only going to increase through the flu season. You also have 2 kids that could bring home the virus. I've never bothered with the flu vaccine, and my dd is not vaxed, and since i'm not pregnant, I probably wouldn't bother with the vax but if I were in your shoes, I'd probably be watching that vax and monitoring the situation closely.

[amnesiac]

http://www.mothering.com/discussions...ment.php?a=141