Flu Shots for Pregnant Women

Hi M.,
I'm pregnant (23 weeks), I've never had flu shot in the past, in general, I try to avoid as much as possible to take pills, medicine, etc. But all medical stuff I've seen recommend to take both shots! So I did it! And as many other people said, H1N1 has a different "target" people vs regular flu. So, I decided to follow my doctor's advice and I took the regular one last week and I'll take the other one when it'll come available!

Good luck!
F.

I got the flu twice (I didn't even think that was possible) with my second pregnancy. Get the shot - having the flu pregnant is miserable. Every bout of throwing up was accompanied by contractions and it was no fun at all. Good luck for a healthy and happy pregnancy!

I'm 32wks preg and am going to get the normal flu shot next week. I'll let you know how it went. My thoughts are similar to some people here...what made up my mind is that it may be a boost to the baby...protect him for a while after he's born. But I'm NOT getting the H1N1 flu shot...it hasn't been tested to be safe for pregnant women.
==========================

OK, so now it's 10/09, just letting you know that I've taken my thimerosal-free flu shot (NOT H1N1)...1 week ago.
Am still fine...still hoping that I don't get sick. I'm thinking that the thimerosal-free one may not cause me to get sick...which I usually do when I get the regular flu shot. ANyway, I'm still AGAINST taking the H1N1 shot.

Yes you make absolute sense! I would definitely, and did, take the conservative approach while pregnant and nursing. Taking this vaccine in particular is radical and completely unknown territory in that it was not properly tested; results are not known. Take the immune strengthening foods etc. Check out mercola.com website for articles and more info on this.

I didn't get one with either pregnancy and was fine. I considered it with my first, but could not find a place that could give me the mercury-free shot. From what I've read, the childrens' flu shots are mercury free, but you have to reqiest/find the mf for adults--it's hard to find because it's more expensive. Wasn't worth the risk in my opinion.

I think there's more of a risk if you do not get the flu shot. I did get the shot when I was pregnant with my two kids.

Plus have you ever had the flu before? I did (when I wasn't pregnant) and oh my gosh - I never want to go through that again! I couldn't move for a whole week! And pregnant women are at risk for dehydration. Plus a huge bonus - your antibodies that you develop AFTER the shot gets passed on to the baby so the baby will be immune to the specific flu strain AFTER he/she is born.

If you're still not sure - talk with your doctor or triage nurse for the pros and cons.

Best wishes! :)

They actually do keep data about flu shots and pregnant women. All components of H1N1 are tested, tho it's true that this is a new combination. However, it's important to remember that pregnant women have a much greater chance of dying of the flu (6% of the deaths from swine flu have been pregnant women, tho they make up only 1% the population).

On the net you can read a lot of anecdotal stories about how much we should worry about vaccines, but no one ever seems to post, "I got vaccinated, didn't get the flu, didn't die & everything turned out OK." Also it's disturbing to me how many people are doubting their doctors' advice in this matter-- who should we trust for good medical advice if not doctors? It is their job to keep up on this stuff & they have a vested interest in making sure their patients don't die (whether you believe it's because of the hippocratic oath or because they don't want to get sued...) Everyone has to make the choice they are comfortable with, just be sure you are going off of real fact & not stories that present a causal relationship where they may only be coincidence. (IE: " I got the vaccine, and my baby had X problem"-- is it proven that the vaccine caused X?)

(FYI: I'm not in the medical field, but I am a medical writer who tries to break down medical-speak and studies for general readers.)

When I was newly pregnant with my first child in December of 2004,
I remember reading that pregnant women should get flu shots, but not in
the first trimester...which precluded me from getting one. Everything went fine. In
September of 2007, I was newly pregnant with twins and in that short time all
the thinking seemed to have changed and "they" were saying all pregnant
women should get the shot, no matter what point in the pregnancy. I had an
OB/Midwife team and my OB recommended it and my midwife shared my
reservations of not wanting to expose my babies to a vaccine during their fragile development.
So, I didn't and everything was fine both times. I am a school teacher and some years
when I was not pregnant, I have had a flu shot and other years not...and I have never had
the flu. I guess I am just lucky that way.

Go to www.cdc.org
They have a whole section about H1N1 and i read there earlier this year that the amount of pregnant women per thousand that got the virus versus the non pregnant infections per thousand were like 5 times as high. They also should have info about the vaccine. There are millions of people, many of them pregnant or with compromised immune systems, that benefit from flu shots every year. Every year the flu vaccine is different, the H1N1 vaccine is just a standard flu vaccine made for that specific strain. Hence the quick turnaround.

In no incertain terms would I get a flu shot while pregnant (not while I'm not pregnant either). There are so many possible side effects from flu vaccines and from what I've researched flu shots are one of the vaccines that still has mercury--they don't want us eating tuna, so why would we risk toxic mercury and other preservatives while pregnant. Just remember, they can't test these vaccines on pregnant women, so we really have no idea what the consequences can be--not worth the risk in my book. Best of luck to you whith the rest of your pregnancy!

I encourage you to learn more about this issue from valid sources, such as the CDC link provided earlier. I recently heard (on NPR) that pregnant women are one of the groups medical professionals are most concerned about this flu season, because pregnant women seem to be experiencing more severe flu symptoms this year (and, as the previous poster stated, have a higher rate of death associated with the flu). Pregnant women will be given top priority to receive the vaccines. That is not to make money for drug companies but to protect those who are most vulnerable.

This year there are two separate flu shots -- one for the seasonal flu and one for H1N1. Talk more to your doctor or another health care professional whose opinion you respect if you are unsure about getting both vaccines. I understand the concern about protecting your baby, but I think the consensus in the medical community is that the risks posed by getting the flu while pregnant far outweigh any risks from the vaccines themselves. I got flu shots during both of my pregnancies, which I found reassuring, and had no ill effects. Good luck... and wash your hands a lot!

A friend recently sent me a letter clarifying the concerns and addressing questions on safety and effectiveness. This has certainly clarified the decision I will make for my family.

The entire letter is available for you to read.

www.nosickvisits.com

To Your Health,
L.

Hi M.,
My unprofessional opinion is this (lol) ... if you're uncomfortable getting the flu shot, then don't. I passed on it when I was preggo as well. What's the worst thing that can happen if you get the flu anyway? ... You just have to ride it out for 7 or so days. And, chances are, your immune system is boosted with all the vitamins you're taking right now, plus all the extra nutrients you're eating for baby, so you probably won't get the flu anyway (fingers crossed!).
I like to err on the side of safety, by nature ... so, if you're truly uncomfortable about getting it, JUST SAY NO! lol

Good luck!
-T

I would research via Google and ask your primary doctor for a second opinion. I know you can get the flu shot while pregnant but it depends on what trimester you are in!!

Hi M.,
I am also pregnant with my second and will NOT be getting the swine flu vaccine as it contains Thimerosal which is a mercury compound.
http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs001/1101240076659/ar...
I worked in clincal trials for years and most drugs are tested for 20+ years to make sure they are safe and have no long term effects. Vaccines like this and Gardisil are "fast tracked" which means they have not undergone the typical trials( and look what they are now finding with Gardisil). Swine flu only became an issue 8 or so months ago and I just feel that is too short to go from onset of virus to a vaccine that they are pushing on everyone. Clinical trials of the vaccine were only started in August.... I just don't see how they can know it is safe, especially for pregnant women!
There is definitely a risk; getting swine flu while pregnant is supposed to cause major issues for both mom and baby but I feel safer washing my hands often, staying away from people who are sick, and even avoiding public places for a few months if it does turn out to be an epidemic. Research has shown that Vitamin D is a good preventative of the virus so as a precaution my daughter and i are both taking an extra vitamin D supplement and making sure we get lots of sunlight while its still warm!
Good Luck with your pregnancy!

Don't get the flu shot because it has already been shown to cause nerve damage and it contains cancer cells. Here are links that might be helpful.

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/0...

http://www.examiner.com/x-17146-Dallas-Womens-Health-Exam...

I received a flu shot during all 4 of my pregnancies. I am so glad I did. I would rather not get the flu while pregnant. I did not have any complications from it nor did my children. The only issue I had was I ended up with a sore arm for a few days but that is not from the flu vaccine it was from the shot itself. It is up to you on if you get it or not. I did, all of my friends who were pregnant during flu season did as well.

I can't remember what I did for my first (probably got the shot) but I know I got one while pregnant with my second. That was the year that the flu shot was very scarce, and I made sure and went in before my mid-Oct due date so I could use the pregnancy as a reason to get one. I get a flu shot every year because the one year I didn't get one and got the flu was really awful.

M.- As you know, the Swine flu vaccines are Category C pharmaceuticals, not tested for safety and efficacy in pregnant women. Here are some links to the package inserts for each of the vaccines that will soon be available. Please review them and make an educated decision, weigh the risks & benefits for yourself.

Type Category C in the search box
http://www.lifehealthchoices.com/images/sanofih1n1.pdf
http://www.lifehealthchoices.com/images/novartish1n1.pdf
http://www.lifehealthchoices.com/images/cslh1n1.pdf

Here is a link to a website that has a Swine Flu timeline: http://www.lifehealthchoices.com/swine-flu-alert-

Good luck with your decision.

Every year the flu shot is new. They tweek it for the new strain thats going around. So this "new" H1N1 Vaccine? no big deal. They are all new. Educate yourself then make a decision. I have 3 kids that have recieved all their shots on time. There is nothing wrong w/ anyone. This autism link I think is ridiculous. I know a women who has 4 kids and all are autistic. AND SHE DIDNT BELIEVE IN THE SHOTS SO THEY DIDNT GET IT!!! I am pregnant w/ number 4 and the benefits outweigh the risks in my book. I am getting it. I have had the flu and let me tell you...its horrible. Worse than childbirth!!! Good Luck!!

I say if you never had the flu...don't get it...Prior to my 1st pregnancy I never got the flu until my college required it from us for our Freshman year and after doing that I had the flu for 3 weeks straight. When I was pregnant with my 1st child...it was recommended and so I did and was sick with the flu...because I got pregnant so fast with my 2nd child, I couldn't get the flu shot and coincidentally never got the flu...with my 3rd child, I got the flu shot at about my 6-7 month and ended up with the flu again and lost about 10 lbs and my child ended up losing about 1 1/2 lbs as well while I was pregnant... My suggestion is don't do it if you don't HAVE to...Just be sure to always wash your hands, and if you know of anyone who might have the flu, stay away and if you feel like you're getting it, see your doctor immediately. Hope this helps...God Bless and Good Luck.

Hello M.,
Congrats on this pregnancy! It's perfectly acceptable to get a routine flu shot after 13 weeks, which is after the first trimester. I got one last year when I was pregant with my daughter, around 14 weeks. It was fine and she turned out normal. It is important that you do get a shot after the first trimester and relax, your future baby will be fine.

Congrats on your pregnancy!! I am pregnant with #3! Due first week in March. I've never had a flu shot. EVER. My OB recommends I get one. Which, like you said, isnt a big surprise.

I went back and forth with the idea. I talked to other moms and expectant moms. And I've decided NOT to get any flu shots this year. I just dont trust them. I have to follow my instinct. I dont trust them for me, or for my family.

Best Wishes to you and your expanding family. ;)

Hi M.,

Your vaccine stance makes total sense -- I feel EXACTLY the same way. I will have my child get almost all the standard vaccines, but I'll delay the schedule a bit and won't do more than 2 at a time. I don't really think there's a right or wrong decision about the flu vaccine, though.

I will say both vaccines have now been approved by the FDA, so people can sue if anything goes wrong. Certainly must truly believe it is safe (though their belief is not a guarantee). Also, the H1N1 vaccine is new, but all flu vaccines are "new" every year -- they are made to address the strains expected to hit this year, using the same formula that's been used for decades.

However, I worry about everything during pregnancy and I don't particularly like the idea of truly extraneous vaccines. So I understand where you're coming from. If your baby will be born season, I think I'd get it because there is some evidence your vaccination will protect him/her as a newborn. Here's a website that cites some studies you may find helpful. Because the evidence seems to suggest it's safe (although it's always possible to have a bad reaction), I personally would probably get them this year if I were pregnant and having a baby in flu season. You have to do whatever you personally feel is best, though!

http://www.pamf.org/flu/preg.html

Regular flu shot does not protect against H1N1, that's a separate vaccine and you can imagine how new it is, no chance for adverse reaction warning. This makes me leary of the H1N1 vaccine for anyone. I would suggest visiting the Centers for Disease Control website and see what they have to say. I know that they are recommending the H1N1 vaccine for pregnant women (or they were last I heard). I don't think I'd take it personally but you must do what you feel is in the best interest of yourself and your baby.

I never got one during my 1st or 2nd pregnancy. I do NOT give them to my kids, either. We eat very, very well and wash hands frequently. My daughter had perfect attendance last yr. -- She was the only one in her class who was well all year.

The big pharm companies are scarying us into getting shots. They make billions of dollars off of us...

It depends who you talk to. Conventional doctors learn to give us what they are taught.

On the flip side, I take a more holistic approach...unless it's absolutely neccesary to put any sort of "drugs" into our bodies...like an antibiotic. I take probiotics regularly.

I think it's best that you do what makes you feel most comfortable. I think either way (shot vs. not shot), your immune system would get boosted. If you get the shot, the vaccine will help your system and your baby's. If you don't get the shot and you get the flu, then your natural antibodies will learn to fight the flu and that will be passed on to your baby. You just have to think about the discomfort of a flu while being unable to take medication for it. However, being a second-time mom, you're probably not a stranger to discomfort!

Hi M.,

Here is an intersting (opinion) essay on the topic. Just food for thought.
http://www.naturalnews.com/027019_H1N1_pregnant_women_mer...

Yes most definetly!!! I had read in Parent Mag that when you get the flu shot during pregnancy that it starts to boost your baby's immune system. It kind of gives them a head start. That is what made me decide to get it. I think that you should get it. Not sure if this is true or not but since I had the flu shot when I was preg. my daughter has only been really sick 2 times and only had one cold and she is 20 months old. The dr and I believe that because I boosted her ammune system early on, that she has a very strong immune system. It took almost a year before she got her first ear infection and she got her first cold when she was just over one year old. And she got her first sore throat when she was 15 months old. It can't hurt. Good luck!