Flu Shot While Pregnant?

Hi everyone - I have a question. I see my doc tomorrow and I know he is going to recommend getting the Flu Shot... I have been doing a lot of research and I'm not great on the idea. I have only gotten the Flu Shot once and I ended up with the Flu and in the hospital Christmas Day 2003.

What are your thoughts on getting the flu shots?

I have been reading articles that are saying there is a connection with Austim and the flu shot... Thoughs on this?

Thanks! 

I am going no to both. I saw my family Dr last week because I was sick and we discussed it. He mentioned that most OB's support getting the regular flu shot but the H1N1 is still optional. I was also reading that the side effects of the H1N1 shot aren't clear - they are handing out questioneres when you get the vaccine and asking you to follow up at intervals. Another thing I read was that the H1N1 is using Mercury as a preservative... I don't like that.

All in all I am going to stand my ground and NOT get either vaccine. I got it once in the past and it was the only year I have ever gotten the flu. That being said I also have limited contact - I work in a small family business, I am the only one that touches my phone, computer, nextel etc and I only share the ladies room with 4 women. we lysol and clorox wipe everything frequently. Hubby works at a car dealership in the service dept and deals with people all day - he did get his regular flu shot but is also declining H1N1.

Hope that all this rambling helps!

Liz

The H1N1 vax is being made in the same place and in the same way as the regular flu vaccine, the only difference between the two is the protein that is used to make you immune to the flu. The only reason the H1N1 2009 strain was not included in the regular flu shot was because there was no time to develop the inactive protein in time to get it out together. 

If you get a regular flu shot, there is no reason at all to decline the H1N1, it's the same stuff only in separate shots.

I'm pretty sure it is safe and it also goes to the baby so they are resistant after birth. I got my flu shot about a month ago.

-Ashlie

I got my flu shot this morning.  I got it last year too and had no issues.  I am not too keen on the H1N1 vaccine.  My OB also said that it is really optional especially if your are not a healthcare provider, work in a hospital or school. 

Take care...

Here's the thing.  Don't base your decision on what I'm doing and what others are doing.  Base your decision on what you feel is best. 

You are going to get all sorts of opinions on this subject and frankly the only opinion you should be listening to is your own.  Just like vaccines, it's a person choice. 

I'm not getting the flu shot, nor am I getting the H1N1 vaccine.  I am certainly not giving it to my kids either.  

I have never had a flu shot and only got the flu twice..... once in the middle of the summer when I was 15 and then a few weeks ago before flu season even started.

I'm not getting one. My 6yo DD will get a flu shot and she gets one every year but she won't be getting the swine flu shot.

I got my flu shot the day before I delivered Libby, and I had never had a flu shot before (that I know of).  I wasn't going to do it but after talking to the doctor I figured it was best for us.  Russ even got one and he is terrified of needles, like has to take ativan in order to see a doctor.  Men can be so pathetic LOL.  There are so many babies that die every year because of the flu and I didn't want to take that chance, especially with Libby being so small.  Now, with that being said I have delayed all of her immunizations because I am not thrilled with the idea of all of those shots in such a little body, plus I have an autistic cousin and a cousin who is now mentally handicapped because she was allergic to an immunization she got.  So, I totally understand not wanting to get shots. 
Also, the flu vaccine does not cause the flu, it is an inactive virus you get.  However, there are so many different strains and they make the vaccine for the one they think is going to be the strongest that year.  So, it is still possible to get the flu but it won't be from the vaccine.

I work in the medical field, so I have always gotten the Flu shot. I had it with all of my pregnancies. No problems.

My sister has never gotten the flu shot and that includes her 4 pregnancies.

So, it's definately a personal choice. For me, being around rude, sick people who don't know proper hygeine.....it's a must.

yeah you will hear a lot of opinions on this but have to do what is best for you.

I just saw my doctor for my 12 week visit and this is what he said.  My doctor strongly reccomended the H1N1 vaccine and said if I normally get the flu shot, to get that.  He said he just had a patient at 28 wks pg contract the H1N1 and was in the hospital for a MONTH and she was very sick.  He said she had to be on a ventilator and on all sorts of medications that weren't so safe during pregnancy, but that were needed to get her well and out of the hospital.   He said she went on to have the baby later and was fine, but it was a scary time for her when she was so sick. 

I also have two neighbors that are labor and delivery nurses and have seen hospital rooms full of women with either the flu or swine flu and they said the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the risks of if you get the swine flu.   JMO   I've never heard of Autism being linked to the flu shot, now I've heard it being linked to the actual vaccines when the baby gets their shots at each visit during the first few years.   But I don't believe in that being linked to autism and have had each of my kids vaccinated and they are fine.   It's all up to you though and your beliefs of what you think is best for you and your kids. 

If I wasn't pregnant, I wouldn't get either of the vaccines, but I'm at least getting the H1N1 to avoid the hospital time and any complications to me or my baby.