Breastfeeding and Flu vaccine

[mzpuff]

I work at a hospital where employees are required to receive the flu vaccine, I am breastfeeding and am curious as to whether or not receiving this vaccine may cause any harm to my baby? Or rather would it be good for my baby as my body builds up antibodies in response to the shot and they would be passed on to baby? Thanks for any help.

[PatioGardener]

Here in Canada, the flu shot is not contraindicated while breastfeeding, and yes, you will pass antibodies on to your baby through your breastmilk.

Welcome to MDC!

note: We do not have 'nasal' flu vaccines up here - just shots.

[CorasMama]

I would not get the flumist, but the shot. And yeah, it's not at all contraindicated while breastfeeding. I got mine a little over a week ago.

[rparker]

I've gotten the flu shot while breastfeeding for 3 years now and both kids appear fine (the oldest has had the shot herself now too). I agree with the pp and wouldn't do flumist either though.

[MEcatlady17]

I discussed this with DD's health provider Friday. She is super breastfeeding knowledgeable. She did not recommend the nasal mist as I believe it uses live virus. She said that the shot may in fact help you pass antibodies to baby and is not known to concentrate in breastmilk. Since we are not doing the shot for our infant I was nervous, but left deciding that DH and I will get the shots to provide a little buffer around DD. That and lots of hand washing and not so much socializing in germy places come late Jan. early Feb.