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Flu Shot!

post #1 of 20
9/27/10 at 12:53am
Thread Starter 
Not sure if this has been posted.

I was told that I am supposed to get the flu shot because I am pregnant and will be pregnant during flu season.

Now, I usually don't get the flu shot so I don't know if I should get it just because I will be pregnant.


Are you guys going to get the flu shot? Why or why not?
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post #2 of 20
9/27/10 at 2:11am
This is actually a really REALLY common thread...

http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=1264897
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post #3 of 20
9/27/10 at 11:59am
No flu shot here, pregnant or not. I don't think it is safe or worthwhile.
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post #4 of 20
9/27/10 at 12:04pm
Run like the wind!
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post #5 of 20
9/27/10 at 12:12pm
We have a thread in the Jan 11 DDC about the flu shot if you want to see more responses.

I don't plan on it. I haven't gotten a flu shot before. My hubby and mom have both had adverse reactions to it so it has made me a bit wary.

Also every year they predict which strains will be most prevalent and put them into the flu shot. If they are incorrect or you happen to come into contact with a less common strain, then the shot won't help you out.
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post #6 of 20
9/27/10 at 1:25pm
No way for me; this year's flu shot includes the H1N1 vax, and that is way too new for me to ever get, let alone while pregnant. Plus, I have gotten the real flu once as an adult, can't even remember any other time in my life (I'm sure when I was a little kid). And I'm a teacher, and never get the flu in years of teaching hundreds of kids daily, except that once. I got it last year when all my teen students were coming in just having gotten the flu mist, b/c everyone was freaking out about swine flu. Not sure if I got flu, flu from the vax, or actual H1N1 (it hit me REALLY hard, so I'm hoping it was, and gave me some immunity... if I hadn't been trying to get grades turned in, which the school was ridiculously NOT understanding about, it would have been fine-- just resting for several days, instead of just a couple like most illnesses). Anyway, my mom gets a flu shot every year, and every year she gets the flu from it! She talked about getting the shot last year, and then was totally sick afterwards. I'd rather just get sick if I'm going to get sick, than invite the illness plus all the yuckies of the vax.
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post #7 of 20
9/27/10 at 1:39pm
My doc said, "I don't want to see you in the office from 2 weeks from now (this was last week) until March. The office will be full of sick people. No flu shot for you while you are pregnant!"

I her. She is up on her research.

I believe the flu shot is contraindicated in children under age 2. I have an ultrasound confirming I'm pregnant with a child under age 2 so, I won't be exposing her.

Jenne
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post #8 of 20
9/27/10 at 2:30pm
I'm not a vaxer, but even if I was, I think the H1N1 is too new to get as a pregnant woman. I felt that way about the gardasil shot when I was pregnant with DD, and now they don't suggest it for pregnant women anymore. I'd just try to stay healthy, which I do anyway when I'm pregnant.
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post #9 of 20
9/27/10 at 2:43pm
I never do flu shots, and I don't plan to now.

Last year, my entire family did get H1N1, and it certainly was no picnic, but it hasn't changed my stance.

But, to be fair, we don't go out much during flu season anyway. My kids are homeschooled, and I don't drive when there's snow on the roads. It usually starts snowing in October around here. Our exposure risk is much lower than the average family's.
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post #10 of 20
9/27/10 at 2:47pm
The flu shot has not been tested for safety or effectiveness in pregnant women or nursing mothers.

And like the PP said, it's not recommended for infants under 6 months, so how could it be recommended for fetuses??
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post #11 of 20
9/27/10 at 2:49pm
no flu shots here.....

I have gotten it twice.. once was completely intentional, new baby and was told ( i know better now) I HAD to have the shot with an infant in the house. and the only way my baby would be protected was if i got the shot and then nursed the antibodies through to him.

I'm making up a master tonic here and we'll use that along with vitamins and healthy behavior. I also try and avoid places where sick kids go. it's amazing how many parents take their ill children out to pulic playplaces.... icky
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post #12 of 20
9/27/10 at 2:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Aliy View Post
no flu shots here.....

I have gotten it twice.. once was completely intentional, new baby and was told ( i know better now) I HAD to have the shot with an infant in the house. and the only way my baby would be protected was if i got the shot and then nursed the antibodies through to him.
The only time I did get the flu was like 2 years ago. Maybe it wasn't the flu - but DH and I got sick twice in the same season and I was really sick for like a week. I was nursing DD and guess what, she didn't get sick either times! She is 3 1/2 and has NEVER been sick! I think it is so odd doctors you need a vaccine even if you are nursing.
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post #13 of 20
9/27/10 at 3:14pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Magali View Post
No flu shot here, pregnant or not. I don't think it is safe or worthwhile.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Barbie64g View Post
Run like the wind!
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Originally Posted by Bokonon View Post
The flu shot has not been tested for safety or effectiveness in pregnant women or nursing mothers.

And like the PP said, it's not recommended for infants under 6 months, so how could it be recommended for fetuses??
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post #14 of 20
9/27/10 at 3:30pm
Nope, I never do.

Have you ever read the "side effects" in the package insert? It's all the symptoms of the flu.

I figure I can get the shot and have the flu for sure (and who knows what else might happen to me), or I can NOT get the shot and probably not get the flu at all. Or I might, but there are worse things.
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post #15 of 20
9/27/10 at 3:35pm
Did y'all hear the new 'scare tactic' coming out? That women who get the flu while pregnant have babies with lower IQs?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/sw...childs-IQ.html

"According to a study, prenatal exposure to the virus may reduce the IQ of the offspring measured 20 years later by three to seven points."

Uhh... when you get a FLU SHOT they're injecting THE VIRUS into you. So instead of 'risking' exposure, you're *guaranteeing* it.
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post #16 of 20
9/27/10 at 3:38pm
Okay, that's just ridiculous. As you pointed out, getting the vax doesn't help one bit with exposure.

And, aren't there a bajillion things suggested to "raise your child's IQ". Seriously...(okay, not seriously, but you get my point)...do some flash cards to compensate. Three to seven points? Better call off Harvard...won't be smart enough...seven points less than his peers...mutter, mutter, mutter...
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post #17 of 20
9/27/10 at 5:13pm
Thread Starter 
Oopsie, sorry it's such a common concern

And thank you all for your responses...EEK I will not be getting a flu shot!
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post #18 of 20
9/27/10 at 5:20pm
Moved to Vaccinations
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post #19 of 20
9/27/10 at 5:30pm
Hasn't there also been some study showing a correlation between the H1N1 and miscarriage?

http://preventdisease.com/news/10/09...g_report.shtml

Interesting Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94tica5mbvg
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post #20 of 20
9/27/10 at 8:04pm
Well - I am a health care provider with asthma and a mom with congestive heart failure as well as a husband who is immune compromised. We have gotten a flu shot as long as I can remember and will continue to get them. I had both last year with no ill effects. Have never had a reaction or gotten sick from the shot. I selectively vax my child but we always get the flu shot.
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