Flu Shot

[Leewoss]

Is anyone else planning on getting this? I have never gotten one before but now that my immune system is next to nothing and I have my little Maddy inside to worry about, I think I would like to. As a teacher, it seems a majority of my kids are sick at any given time and I do not want to pass anything on to her (having just gotten over a nasty 2 week cold). I am still having trouble finding the shot though - I know Walgreens is offering them but you need an RX. Is it true you can get sick from the flu shot in mild form?

[Cellist]

No you cannot get a mild version of the flu from the flu shot. You CAN have a reaction to it, which can sometimes result in flu-like symptoms, but that is not the norm.

This is a good overview from the CDC, which might help you make your decision about whether you should get a flu shot: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm

I had one for the first time last year, as I work in healthcare, and had no ill effects whatsoever from it. I plan to get it again this year to protect myself and baby, especially since immunity is compromised during pregnancy.

[Scalpel]

I usually get them every year because they offer them free since I work in a lab. I have my next OBGYN appt this coming monday and I am going to ask my doc for sure but I am thinking yes I will be getting one.

[mommy2two babes]

Nope I won't be getting the flu shot while pregnant especially.
I don't get them normally though either. I would rather take other preventative measures. ( healthy diet, hand washing ect)

[Noelle C.]

Last two times I ended up in the hospital for weeks. I'm on the do-NOT-get list now.

[ShwarmaQueen]

Our flu season doesn't pick up until January here in Houston, so I will NOT be getting one.

[belltree]

If you want to get the flu shot, remember, that you should wait at least 3-4 weeks before getting the H1N1 shot, which is supposed to be released beginning October, and which is the prevalent flu right now.

Also, make sure you know which of the flu shots you're getting. The multidose one contains mercury and you don't want that while being pregnant or breastfeeding (or ever).

The flumist spray does contain live virus and hence you could get sick and/or spread the flu.

Also, keep in mind, that it takes 5-6 weeks to reach immunity after vaccination.

I already declined the vaccine and won't be getting it.

[akind1]

No, I am not getting one. The are offered at work for free, but I have never gotten the flu shot, and if I ever had the flu, it was in early childhood. People in my family tend to have strong reactions to the flu shot and I'd rather not chance that, besides, it doesn't protect against all strains, just what might be thought to be most common this flu season, so you still might end up with the flu. FWIW, I've also worked in healthcare (CNA at a nursing home, and in a hospital), and also in daycare. The worst thing I've caught is strep throat. But everyone is different.

If you do want them, I know they are also offered at CVS and other pharmacies. I'm sure your HCP would also have access, and it would save you making 2 trips, unless your HCP will call in a scrip for it to the Walgreens.

-Katrina

[MamaMonica]

Moved to vaccinations.

[not_telling]

FWIW, I was teaching Kg the whole time I was pregnant and I did not get the flu shot (I have never gotten it in the past). Kids were sick throughout the year with various things and the worst I got was a cold that became a sinus infection (resolved quickly through antibiotics). Other than that, I actually had fewer colds when I pregnant than in previous years when I wasn't pregnant.

[Shell_Ell]

Absolutely not. I don't get flu shots or get them for my children, but I wouldn't chance getting ANY vaccination while pregnant, especially one with thimerosal. I would rather take our chances with the virus. We are taking precautions, including making sure we're getting enough Vitamin D.

If you do get one, please consider asking for a single vial dose that is not preserved with thimerosal.

[Aquafina]

I got the flu shot at walgreens.Keep in mind if you get one there it has mercury in it.I would find a dr that has one with no mercury jmho if you are pregnant.Last year I got the mercury free one. This year I just got the fluvrin and it has mercury.I think I felt worse with the one I got last year.

Yes I always feel like I have a very mild flu after it.For 4 day I get very red hot watery eyes.The pharmacist said it does cause mild symptoms.

I am still on the fence with the h1n1.They say its made just like the regular flu shot.

[ShwarmaQueen]

Originally Posted by Aquafina

I am still on the fence with the h1n1.They say its made just like the regular flu shot.

I would be leary of what 'they' tell you. I've found many healthcare workers who are promoting the shot don't know a thing about it (muchless whether there's thimerosal or not).

[Turquesa]

http://www.cochrane.org/reviews/en/ab001269.html

[kiara7]

Am I missing something? I thought the flu shots and others were Preg. Class C? Did it change?

Btw, I would never get any shots while pregnant. I don't really know when the idea that pregnant women are prone to all these diseases and illneses. Yes the immune system is calmed, but in all the years prior to medicalization of our society pregnant women were considered to be the healthiest people.

[MommytoB]

I was getting my lab done today for my thyroid and there was this one lady who is the blood drawer.

She actually admitted that there other ways to help with flu prevention not as just only immune boosters but something she couldn't say . She did mention that there are immune boosters but she couldn't say exactly what just that they could help strengthen the immune system.

[KaylaBeanie]

I'm getting the flu shot this year for the first time. I have had some breathing issues that won't be fixed until January at the earliest, my school/work schedule is pretty hectic and the flu is ALREADY making it's rounds hardcore here, so I'm doing everything to minimize my risks, including vaccination. Walgreens offers a preservative-free one for $29.99.

[Turquesa]

Originally Posted by KaylaBeanie

Walgreens offers a preservative-free one for $29.99.

I wouldn't think that "preservative-free" would be possible unless they made it on site...: Does anybody else know?

[Marnica]

Originally Posted by Turquesa

I wouldn't think that "preservative-free" would be possible unless they made it on site...: Does anybody else know?

I think she means single dose...thimerosol free

[robinchap1]

Do any of you get flu shots for your kids? My DS is 3 and I have never gotten him one (nor have I ever gotten one). Every year I feel a little wishy washy about whether I should. This year DS's father has a new baby at home (DS lives with me, spends 24 hours/week at his Dad's) and DS is in preschool and my ex wants him to get one.

I am still leaning toward no. Can anyone help with with either a good reason to get him one or some helpful reasons to present to my ex as to why NOT to get him one?

He never responded well to vaccinations as a baby and I am still holding off on most of the MMR (he had one M, I can't even remember which one!).

(If I did do it, I would certainly demand thimerosol-free.)

Thanks.