Are you going to get a flu shot? « Back to Group Discussions

[shastalily]

My midwives office strongly recommends flu shots at 14 weeks or later so I am planning on getting one at my next appointment, which will be the first week of November when I am 14 weeks.  We got the flu really bad in my house last November, which then turned into bronchitis for me and a cracked rib from such an awful cough, so I am hoping this will be in time before the flu hits the schools here again.

[poppyseed2012]

Do you know why after 14 weeks and not before? My midwives said at any time.

[shastalily]

I don't know why.  I didn't ask.  She just said they recommend waiting until 14 weeks.  I'm thinking because a lot more organ/brain development happens in the 1st trimester so maybe it's a little more risky.

[Goddess3_2005]

No way.There are no flu shots that have been tested safe on pregnant women and currently on vaccine inserts they are asking doctors to register all pregnant women and their reactions, which means they are using us as guinea pigs because its illegal to test on pregnant woman, so now they tell doctors to just give the jab and then tell them what happens. Not for me! i am not going to be an unwilling test subject!

[KM84]

Yes, I got one. My arm was so sore! I found out from my midwife that you can ask for one that does not have Therimosal (sp?) in it.

[katroshka]

Nope. Last pregnancy I got one, because a few years ago I was hospitalized when I got super dehydrated from the flu, and obviously didn't want that to happen while I was pregnant. Unfortunately I got really ill from the vaccine.... incredibly sore and hot arm, I couldn't even reach up to get a cup or plate down, low fever, terrible headaches, and debilitating fatigue.

[Kamiro]

No way for me. I'd rather deal with a chance of getting the flu, to be honest. Every one has to make the best decision for themselves though!

[pregnova]

Wow No way.

I've heard HORRIBLE things about it. I have a feeling that's why the midwives would have you wait until you were safely out of the first trimester before administering it....

[Rikki Jean]

No, I will not get it, but we don't vaccinate at all in our home anyway. Up until I was 20ish, I always got the shot...and always ended up sick anyway.

We'll be relying on natural methods for immunity- black elderberry syrup, cod liver oil, vitamin c, and lots of bone broth.

[forestmushroom]

I have gotten flu shots with 2 of my 4 previous pregnancies and will do it again this year. Just ask for thimerosal free flu shot, in a single use vial.

Flu shots have been used on pregnant woman for years and years.  Of course the insert is going to say this hasn't been tested, because it hasn't been formally tested.  But come on, even the yogi tea says, "Do not drink this if you are pregnant or nursing.." and that is just a tea!  It is the lawyer, CYA speak. 

I've never had a bad reaction to the flu shot, and with 3 little kids in school, it has saved me before!  If I could limit my contact with the outside world, etc. I would skip it.  But with so much exposure to the public, I'd rather get the shot. 

[lightheartedmom]

Originally Posted by Goddess3_2005 

No way.There are no flu shots that have been tested safe on pregnant women and currently on vaccine inserts they are asking doctors to register all pregnant women and their reactions, which means they are using us as guinea pigs because its illegal to test on pregnant woman, so now they tell doctors to just give the jab and then tell them what happens. Not for me! i am not going to be an unwilling test subject!

This!! So much!

We've never gotten flu shots and we really don't get the flu when other people do. We take lots of vitamin c and vitamin d and keep things like eucalyptus and oregano oil on hand for when the rare episode of sickness hits our household.

There's lots of info on the vaccine board but seriously, especially while pregnant, I would avoid shots like the plague.

[LinnieThree]

I will be getting it this year. I hesitated over the past couple of years for my children and I but for the last three years in a row my children have been hospitalized for multiple days: First time: DD at 15 months with Influenza B for 7 days- Second time: DS at 12 months with Peri-orbital Cellulitis for 5 days (it starts as a cold or the flu and it nearly shut down his entire face) and the Third time was just last November when DD just turned 4, she was hospitalized for 8 days because her flu turned to pneumonia and then she became septic and nearly died. I can't go through any of that again. I didn't leave their sides when they were in the hospital (in isolation each time so I couldn't really leave their rooms) and it is a fear that no one should face and I just can't risk bringing the flu into my house. I don't necessarily believe that it will work and obviously it doesn't cover a lot of the strains but I promised myself that I would do everything possible especially after last year. Also with DH being a Police Officer, he arrests some pretty gross and unhealthy people all day who spit at him etc... they have to get it for work. Sorry for the downer post. I do believe that it is up to the individual and/or family.

[MeredithA]

Absolutely not. I'm with OneMore-- I don't want to be a guinea pig!

I don't vaccinate anyway, though. I used to. DS1 had all of this shots and entered public school with a nicely filled out complete immunization chart. Then, DS2 had a terrible reaction to his 1st round of shots when he was 2 months old. He screamed for 8 hours straight. His little voice was hoarse from all that screaming and nothing calmed him. That was it for me. I started researching vaccine reactions and realized how dangerous vaccines can be. So, DS2 isn't vaccinated and the newbie won't be vaccinated at all. 

Linne, my DH has to get the shot for the same reason. Its not a job requirement, but it is strongly recommended because of all the people he comes in contact with. He didn't get it last year, and was out of work for almost 2 weeks due to a miserable case of the flu. He says he'll be first in line for it when his department starts giving them out! 

[forestmushroom]

Originally Posted by LinnieThree 

I will be getting it this year. I hesitated over the past couple of years for my children and I but for the last three years in a row my children have been hospitalized for multiple days: First time: DD at 15 months with Influenza B for 7 days- Second time: DS at 12 months with Peri-orbital Cellulitis for 5 days (it starts as a cold or the flu and it nearly shut down his entire face) and the Third time was just last November when DD just turned 4, she was hospitalized for 8 days because her flu turned to pneumonia and then she became septic and nearly died. I can't go through any of that again. I didn't leave their sides when they were in the hospital (in isolation each time so I couldn't really leave their rooms) and it is a fear that no one should face and I just can't risk bringing the flu into my house. I don't necessarily believe that it will work and obviously it doesn't cover a lot of the strains but I promised myself that I would do everything possible especially after last year. Also with DH being a Police Officer, he arrests some pretty gross and unhealthy people all day who spit at him etc... they have to get it for work. Sorry for the downer post. I do believe that it is up to the individual and/or family.

I had a baby in the hospital on the respiratory ward, too.  It was horrible. I understand that vaccines are a drug and should just be taken without consideration, weighing the pros and cons. For me I have never had a bad reaction, and overall think vaccines are right for my family.

Yet the only drugs that have been approved by the FDA for use during pregnancy are for gestation- or birth-related problems, not for conditions like depression, hypertension or infection. So vaccines are not the only medication not specifically tested on woman, but that doesn't mean that pregnant women haven't been safely taking flu shots for years and years, since the 60s. 

And there has been one trail, albeit on a very small number of women (340): http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18799552

I will probably not get the flu shot until December, but we tend to have a late flu season here.....

[Leav97]

Originally Posted by LinnieThree 

Sorry for the downer post. I do believe that it is up to the individual and/or family.

Sounds like you have some excellent reasons to get the flu shot.  It is often a case of risk/reward and you have some fairly large risk.  I have 2 healthy kids and a very boring job.  My risks are lower.  Combined with having a bad reaction the last 2 times I've had shots, it's not worth it for me.

[sarahlynne]

Nope, not getting it.  Lots of good reasons already mentioned...

[Goddess3_2005]

Actually if you read the vaccine inserts they clearly state on every vaccine on the market "Do not administer to pregnant women unless absolutely necassary" !0 years ago they said NEVER vaccinate pregnant women, so they have not been doing it for 60 years, this is very recent.

On a side note since when did so many people on MDC start vaxing? MDC has always been very anti vax.

[maryamrose]

I'm not. I've never gotten it before, and I'm not willing to risk the side effects. if my mw has good reason to suggest one for me, I will discuss it with her.

[forestmushroom]

Originally Posted by Goddess3_2005 

Actually if you read the vaccine inserts they clearly state on every vaccine on the market "Do not administer to pregnant women unless absolutely necassary" !0 years ago they said NEVER vaccinate pregnant women, so they have not been doing it for 60 years, this is very recent.

On a side note since when did so many people on MDC start vaxing? MDC has always been very anti vax.

most inserts for medicines say that, but women still often need to take medication while pregnant. 

[pregnova]

I'm also a bit surprised at all the vaccinating...