Flu Vaccine

I work at a hospital so it is time for the annual rollout of the normal influenza vaccine (not N1H1). There is a form that we fill out and we either get the vaccine or decline the vaccine.  On the form there is a section that says pregnancy/attempting pregnancy as a reason to decline.

I wanted to see if you physician has told you whether you should/shouldn't get the vaccine when you are TTC/pregnant. I will be calling my RE. I normally get it every year since I do work at a hospital but I just wanted to see if you all had opinions either way.

Traci

I have to get mine because I have heart disease. Our whole family is on the priority list. We also have to have our pnuemonia vaccine every five years. I can't quote where I read this, but last year (when I was pregnant with Niko) I read an article about how getting the flu vaccine while pregnant passed on the resistance to the fetus, thereby protecting them too. I believe, though, that it has to be the injection and not the inhaled one(for safety reasons)

Ask your RE. Everybody had issues that are unique to their situation.

Angie

I know that statistically, it is best for pregnant women to get it. If a pregnant woman get the flu, the chances of loosing the baby increases. I just wasn't sure about TTC. I have a plethora of OBGYN's here at the hospital to ask along with my RE.

I will end of getting it because I work at the hospital and that increases my chances of contracting it. Also, it is best for the baby for the mother to be vaccinated. Just wanted to post out here for some input.

Thanks,
Traci

My midwife told me that they require me to get a regular seasonal flu shot. The swine flu vaccine she said is optional but she strongly suggest that I get it. She advises this because not only am I pregnant but I am 20 years old and living near to and spending a lot of time on a college campus. And they say people my age (18-25 I believe) are those most prone to catching it. I am still hesitant to get it because I dont feel there is enough research out on it yet but I am def googling the heck out of it and will make my decision to or not to get it when it is made available. 

I agree about the regular flu shot. I am like you and watching research and statistics on the H1N1 vaccine and will make my decision down the road.

Traci
 

My OB/GYN won't give a flu shot in the first trimester -- and when he does give them after the first trimester he gives preservative free ones.

I opted not to get one while pregant last year, although if I had been further along when they were giving them at the OB's office I probably would have. 

As for swine flu..... I don't think I am going to get one based on what I have read.  Unless they can tell me there is no additive in the swine flu vaccines (adjunts or whatever they are called). 

I say if you're just TTC and know you're not pregnant it's probably a GOOD thing ! 

Cindy

I will never ever get the flu vaccine ever again!!!!!  

Last year both my husband and me got the vaccine for the first time ever.   I had already had the twins and my doctor made us feel like turds because they were just born and could not get vaccines themselves.   Plus I have asthma so they really pushed me to get it.   So we did.  We proceeded to get sick as dogs and were sick for 2 weeks.  

For you, I think it's a little different situation.  You work in an environment which puts you in a high risk category for many illnesses.  So for you, it's probably beneficial to get it.   They are pushing for pregnant women to get both the regular flu and H1N1 vaccines, so I can imagine it would be the same push for those TTC.  

I originally declined the flu vaccine and my PCP talked me in to it, last year (while pregnant) and this year since I have an infant.  I do an alternate schedule with vaccines and she told me this is something that can be very serious and that many people, including infants, die from every year.  That made me get it.  Last year I got mine 2 days before I delivered and was told that even though Libby wouldn't get a whole lot while in utero she would get it from me breastfeeding and that was very important.

they told me to get it.... both of them... and i will decline both of them... ill worry about it if i get sick... in all my years i have NEVER had the flu...nor really any flu like symptoms... i hardly get sick... and im really not worried about it

I am in the same boat as Julie - I got it 2 years in a row and got so sick. The last about 10 years haven't gotten it and *knock on wood* haven't gotten the flu either! I work in a small office with no real contact to the "outside world". Chris works in customer service and swears by getting his shot, of course last winter he was home sick in bed for 4 days with a 104 degree fever - I NEVER got it.

I think it is all such a personal decision. I am TTC and will be declining the flu shot this year as in years past. If I were in your situation I would probably go for it though!