Flu shot a danger?

My doctor is pressuring me to get the flu shot and I am very hesistant considering that there is thermisol (a mercury component).  Does anyone have any thoughts about that?  Anyone feel the same way?  I am very worried.  Anyone have any horror stories or positive testimonials?

When I went for my H1N1, I asked for one without the thermisol, and they had those available. I got my regular flu shot before I got pregnant, so that one didn't matter as much. Just an FYI!!

Carrie

I have had both since pregnant....I just considered the risk of getting sick more risky than the shot; but I trust my dr.'s opinions, so if he says get it...I get it.....good luck.  Stacey

I had the H1N1 with no Thimerisol.  And the season flu shot with it.  The Dr. told me the amount of mercury in the seasonal flu shot is about as much as a half a can of tuna.  So I just didn't eat fish for the rest of that week.  I think it should be just fine.

 I did get the regular flu shot and the H1N1 is not available to me yet.
I completely understand your concern...but I have a
"suspected"  H1N1 and I have been so sick this past week. The reprodu. endocrinologist didn't want me in is office .:)
 I'm on tamiflu, two antibiotics and two inhalers (and no I'm not an asthmatic). I even had to go for a chest xray (cringe), the last thing I wanted to do, but they did double lead my tummy.
I've never felt so sick, fatigued and horrible in my life.

I really would suggest you reconsider getting the vaccination.

I just got my Mercury-free vaccine today. It is available just harder to come by. But, even the vaccine containing mercury has it in such small amounts that it's generally held to be safe....especially compared to the risk of the virus to you and baby. So I'd try for the T-free one if you can but don't put yourself at risk if you can help it. I have had patients now and know of more here who are in a very bad way from this bug. Especially the pregnant ones. One in the ICU right now on a respirator. If your not going to get vaccinated please be very careful about your surroundings and exposure till the season's over at least. Good luck and God Bless.

Ok, I work at the Health Dept, doing H1N1 shots, and I have to tell, our biggest target is pregnant women and young people. Highest risk. It is recommended because you have a higher chance of getting it due to lack of room for your lungs, could possibly cause breathing issues. It's perfectly safe, and I have yet to see anyone have problems from it. It's made with pretty much the same thing as the regular flu shot, just something extra for th H1N1. No horror stories to tell.

The thimerisol danger is to young children, not to the fetus.

You need to realize that one of the most alarming statistic about H1N1 is this:  of those pregnant women affected, a higher-than-normal percentage are dying.  I think the last number I heard was 18%.

Children are up there as well, and now elderly are gaining ground.  But this is a very sobering statistic.

After research and talking to my family doctor and reproductive endocrinologist, I decided the risk of the flu was much greater that any risk with the shot.  Both my 14-month-old son and I had the shot Monday.

Just got my shot about an hour ago in Maine. Apparantly the swine flu is breaking out all over the place here, so being that I hit my second trimester tomorrow, I figured it was time to give in and get it and I was lucky enough to find a clinic for pregnant ladies today only. I asked them about my 14 month old and they told me to try to get him on a waiting list at his pediatrician. Everyone around here seems to be trying to get the shot right now, but it's just not available... I feel very lucky to have snuck in today like I did, I was in and out within 20 minutes. I've heard of other parents waiting in lines of over 4 hours with their kids trying to get them vacinated!!!