[eebidlake]

Just wondering if any expectant mamas out there are getting a flu shot--or getting pressured to either get one or not get one. My MW gave me a lecture at our last appointment about how important it is for me and DH to get flu shots since we're delivering in hospital in the height of flu season. The next night we had dinner with DH's parents and got another lecture all about why we shouldn't get flu shots. FIL is a doctor (anesthesiologist) and is adamantly against them.

Feeling torn. I've always tried to just listen to my WM on important matters, cause it seems like if you ask three people for an opinion, you'll get three contradicting opinions, and that just makes it so hard to feel like I'm doing the right thing for the babe. I really like my MW, she's been awesome from the first visit. My PIL can be very opinionated (they are probably the reason why we're having a hospital birth and not a homebirth...) although they mean really well, so it's hard to hold it against them. At the same time, I've never gotten a flu shot before, and wouldn't even have considered it if my MW hadn't brought it up.

Anyway, wondering if any other mamas have thoughts on the flu shot...?

 

[sarahlynne]

There is another thread on this topic in this DDC - currently on page two I think. I don't get flu shot and I don't get them for my family. What you said is true, there are as many oppinions as there are people to hold them. I do not feel that the evidence supports their efficacy and I am not comfortable with the risks, so that is the basis of my own oppinion

It is never good to make a pressured decision, I hope you can come to a satisfying conclusion on this one - you can check out the vaccine forum for more info.

 

[D'sMama]

I'm not getting one, have never had one, and haven't heard about it from anyone.

Something about getting vaccinations while pregnant skeezes me out, but that's just me. It's your decision, but I know it can be hard to tune out the noise around you. Try to do some independent research and just ignore what everyone else says!

 

[Cutie Patootie]

Not on your life. Yuckola! Absolutely not something I want to expose my growing baby to, besides the fact that the flu shot only hinders certain strains of flu and the shot can give you those flu symptoms anyhow.

I'm actually really surprised your mw would pressure you about this one.

 

[jr'smom]

I am so surprised to hear any midwives recommending flu shots.

I'd expect it from many OBs, but a midwife?

Even the MDs I worked with in previous pregnancies recommended NOT getting a flu shot. (Not that they had to convince me.)

 

[xakana]

My OB has never brought it up--which is a good thing, because I'm vehemently opposed. Of course, my refusal of RhoGam may have had something to do with a flu shot not being recommended, especially since I believe in the positives of Rhogam.

 

[squishymama]

I think more recommendations are being made because a study came out not long ago showing decreased rates if URI's in infants of mother's who'd been vaccinated for the flu. Coming here is only going to get you about 1000 more opinions. Do some research and see what you feel comfortable with. I chose to get my flu shot again this year but asked for the latex free version which also does not have thimerisol. Good luck with your decision.

 

[funkymamajoy]

I'm the odd one here who gets the flu shot. I have asthma and it gets worse when I'm pregnant. For me, the flu can very easily turn into bronchitis. This year was the first time that I felt awful after the shot though, achy and exhausted for two days.