Pregnant and Needs Flu Shot

Seems like you can go both ways. I never had the flu shot, even while I was pregnant - I have a slight allergy to eggs. I have a friend who does cancer research at the university and he said he nor his family, 9month old, 5 year old and 15 year old never had the flu shot and he is against the swine flu vaccination. If you look at the number of people who die (usually those who have other health issues) from the "regular" flu and those who have died from the swine - the regular flu is the biggest killer. I think people just need to be smart about this and not get caught up in the hysteria. I also spoke to my pedi and she tends to be less invasive when it comes to dealing with health. She pretty much said the same as my friend so I'm not going to be waiting in line for something not tested.

I would be afraid to have either shot. I'm certain there are some studies out there regarding Pregnancy and flue shots...I don't think there is enough information regarding the H1N1 virus shot for anyone to get it. The CDC has pushed it along, and there are trials set up across the country....it is still too early to get the results of those trials. Unfortunately, the hysteria will push people into getting this new vaccine, and the CDC will approve it, when not enough research has been done. For more information go to www.cdc.gov and see the Press Releases.Good Luck.

I'm almost 30 weeks pregnant. Got the regular flu shot about 2 weeks ago (it takes two weeks to work, so I would get it ASAP). My doctor's office gave it. I've NEVER gotten it before but did this time because of the baby.

However, I am not getting the swine flu vac. It hasn't been tested and is way to new, so I am not about to get it EVEN though my doctor HIGHLY recommends it.

I feel confident that the flu shot is okay but swine vac...no way!

I'm pregnant, I have four little ones, and my husband has cancer and is about to go through chemo so I HAVE considered getting the flu shot to protect him. I didn't realize that there might be a preservative free one out there, I should check that out.

However, I would not get the H1N1 vaccine. It is very new and right now they are asking for volunteers for the vaccine who are pregnant or have infants (they are vaccinating the babies.) The reason is to "test" it. They have absolutely NO idea how it might affect the baby.

I'm hearing people a lot around my area who had the swine flu or know someone who has. It's definitely making it's rounds but doesn't seem to be too terribly awful. Seems people are building a natural immunity to it. The swine flu made it's rounds before (in the seventies I believe) and they had a vaccine then as well. More people died from the vaccine then died from the swine flu so they discontinued the vaccine.

PLEASE for the health of your baby don't get the H1N1. Feel free to PM me and I can send you some more information.

J.,
Before you get the flu shot that has thermisol in it, look at this website. It has nutritional recommendations by Dr. Ted Broer. I follow them and I never get the flu. After you read the information from the link I am sending you. Type in flu shots in the subject line and read what Dr. Ted Broer has to say about the possible effects of mercury. www.healthmasters.com/blog/virus-killer-swine-flu-h1n1-tu... God bless you and your family

I'm not a school teacher, but I do work for a school district and the district provides free flu shots for their employees. Doe's your school district provide the service? If not I know Walgreens is advertising for flu shots for a fee of $25.00. I don't know if they provide H1N1 flu shot's. I hope this was helpful to you.

Y.

I got the flu shot with both of my pregnancies (although, admittedly, I don't remember if they were Thimerisol free or not) and both of my kids were born perfectly healthy. In my opinion (and I'm sure you will get many on this board), the risks and complications from the flu are much greater than the vaccines, so I personally would get them ASAP as your doctor is recommending. The regular flu is bad enough, but from what I'm hearing, the H1N1 is hitting pregnant women especially hard, even though it has been fairly mild in children. I just don't think I would take that chance. You are past your first trimester, so I think it is safe to get the shots. If you can find the preservative free ones, that's great, but if not, especially in your line of work, I would get the regular ones right away.

Good luck to you and congrats on your pregnancy.

i am 25 weeks, and recovering from the flu.
i also did not want to get the shot, mostly because of the thermasol.
i was tested positive for strain a which they are calling swine flu.
it has been Painful (mostly in chest and throught) and we have had to really keep an eye on fever (i had to have a cold bath the other night to keep from the over 101.4 hospital visit) but i was able to do it wwithout any med other than tylonol, chloraseptic, and promethazine (also called fenerden sp? usually for morning sickness but used as a cough suppressant and helped to sleep)

something to keep in mind. the thermaflu they give to treat the flu is not really great for pregos either, so unless u are willing to stick it out with out meds and have some really great people to take care of you for those days when your fever is really bad you need to weigh out the lesser of the two evils.

if u r preaty healthy, and have a good support system if u do get sick (i moved in w/ parents and had allot of help)and decide to do like i did and go without the flu meds or a vaccine then be Sure to watch that fever super close (my mom litterally stayed up all night checking my temp) and have a DOC LISTEN TO UR LUNGS AND GET ON BOARD WITH THE IDEA!

sorry typed so bad. still to wipped out to care.

J.,
Here is a link to Dr. Sear's website & his updated post on the H1N1 flu vaccine: http://www.askdrsears.com/thevaccinebook/

Hope this helps in your decision making.

Peace,
S. S.

I know this is kind of late, I'm just catching up on my mamasource. I was pregnant as you are twice during the flu season and I did not take the flu shot as recommended and I was fine both times. I just say go with your gut. Your hesitation might already be your answer.

Hi J..

I just had this conversation with my nurse friends last night. My twins were diagnosed with Flu A,and so I was questioning whether we still needed the vaccine.

Upon further discussion, another pregnant friend asked if she should get it. The nurses had a resounding "NO"! There is not enough research out yet to support the effects of the H1N1 vaccine on the unborn child.

I would recommend talking to your OB about this further. It's important to know the risks vs. benefits for you and your baby.

HTH in your decision making.

J.,
Please watch these videos - It is worth your time.
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/0...

As for protection against the flu - Thieves Oil by Young Living is a must.
See here for information about it. We use their hand sanitizer and the oils in our house and have not had any sickness in over a year (since we started using it.)
http://www.youngliving.com/thieves-essential-oil/Thieves-Oil

I've gotten the regular flu shot when pregnant (first trimester) in the past (and have a perfectly healthy, smart, terror of a 2-year-old), and I'm planning on doing so again now, when I'm 5 weeks pregnant. (We went to our clinic on Friday, actually, but they were out of vaccines.) I know some people have suggested you get the vaccine from a pediatrics office, but they offer a smaller dose of the vaccine for children, so it probably wouldn't be as effective. Like others who have posted, I'm much more hesistant about the H1N1 vaccine, which just doesn't seem to have been tested much at all.

this site is used for autisim kids where they can find a doctor that dosent use preservatives. if they give you flack and say its only for the kids tell them that you have a kid that you are carring and want to protect. the one near you looks like almo city center for autisim

http://www.autismwebsite.com/practitioners/us_lc.htm

J., Have you considered the Flu Mist? My son has a weakened immune system and one of his doctor's recommended the flu mist over the shot. This is his second year having it and my 2 year old's first year. My son has never had a reaction (and no flu!) and my daughter has a slight runny nose this week (they had it just 4 days ago). Not sure if there is any correlation or not. Anyway, I'm not 100% certain it's thimerisol free but I believe it is. As for H1N1, I just wouldn't do it. Too new and I certainly have no trust in the government pushing these things through too quickly. In fact, last week our pediatrician told me he's seen tons of H1N1 in his office but fortunately, it hasn't been that bad so far. He also said a lot of people have it and just think it's a bad cold. My advice is to keep taking your prenatal vitamins, get on a good probiotic and keep your immune system as strong as possible. Send sick kids to the nurse's office and keep a large bottle of hand sanitizer on your desk. If you really feel worried, you can always wear a mask in class and explain to your kids why you are doing it. If you do get sick, don't wait to go to the doctor. If you get a fever, go get tested so you can be treated to prevent complications. Scary times but I don't think we should get too worked up by what the media is feeding us. Good luck, J.!

I would hold off getting it in the first trimester since they say that is the most critical time for organ development; I just wouldn't purposefully introduce a virus during that time. After the first trimester, the initial organ structure and function are mostly developed and the baby is mainly growing bigger.

I myself would probably get the flu shots during the middle of the 2nd trimester. I want to stress that I do believe in vaccines. I would not want to avoid getting the shot, and then get sick and get heavily congested ; that would decrease the amount of oxygen that gets to the baby and probably cause more damage to the baby than any fears about the vaccine.

Hi, I just wanted to let you know that I was pregnant last fall and got the regular flu shot at a CVS. Now I have a beautiful 6-mo baby girl who is perfect! There is NO definitive scientific link between preservatives in vaccines and health problems in adults or kids. They have done a number of studies, and the evidence just isn't there. There is some question, I think, as to what happens when underlying problems already exist, and exacerbating conditions (such as high fever) are introduced. But if you're healthy, there's nothing stopping you from getting the shot. In fact, like you say, flu would put you and your baby at high risk! So definitely go and get it. God bless you!

My recommendation is to NOT do the flu shot. Our family doesn't do flu shots because the shot is based on last year's flu, which is almost never this year's flu. It is also egg-based, if you have any allergies. We opt out for "Reasons of Conscience". You can request a form online and it will be mailed to you. You will need to get it notorized.

I am 6 months pregnant and got the flu shot over a week ago at CVS - no problems. I got the flu shot with my second pregnancy right before she was born because the ob said it would help her, she is now 5 yrs and healthy - no problems. I am undecided about the H1N1 vaccine. Haven't decided yet about that! Pray about it and ask God for his protection!!!

Hi J.,

At all costs, whether you are pregnant or not, DO NOT get the flu shot. If you refer to Mercola.com, you will see why. The vaccine 1) doesn't work; 2) contains ingredients that could be detrimental to your nervous system over the long run, and 3) contains squalene, an ingredient that is linked to cancer. You can do what you want, but please consider twice this "mandatory" vaccine. Please also refer to medical professionals in NY state who have rallied together to refuse to take the mandatory shot, citing yet-undetermined reprucussions from this vaccine. The stuff is poison!

But please, J., don't take my word for it -- check it out at Mercola.com or better yet, google H1N1 and side effects and see what comes up. You will be shocked and appalled.

Best of everything to you.

I just wanted to say that I'm sorry you're in this position, to have to decide something like this. Don't allow fear to overcome you. If I may, I will pray for you.

Dear Heavenly Father, Bless J. with the wisdom she needs, make it very clear to her what course to take. Please give her the courage needed to follow her convictions and grant her your divine peace.

May God bless you richly for being a blessing to children.

N.

Hi J.,

These flus are hitting right now and you are a teacher. The H1N1 is probably more critical for you to get as it targets pregnant women. I believe obstetricians have fully vetted the research and feel in ANY stage of pregnancy flu shots are safe. Please check with your Ob/Gyn for accurate information. I had no problem with the flu shot and three pregnancies- and I did not get the flu! No one has any resistance to this H1N1 so people who are rugged and NEVER get sick are getting swept up by this. The pregancy lowers your immunity to allow your body not to reject the baby as foreign. Combined with being in a classroom full of contagion, you are at lowered immunity and vulnerable to a virus that is hospitalizing and killing healthy pregnant women. You want that baby to have a mama and not just a dad. It takes a few weeks for the shots to take effect, so I'd get mine asap to protect myself and baby. There have been dozens upon dozens of studies showing no link to adverse affects from thimerosol. If it's available and gives you peace of mind, then get it, but don't risk your baby or self over that.

I am 19 weeks pregnant and will NOT be getting ANY type of flu vaccine, especially H1N1. I would do some real research on the H1N1 vaccine and decide for yourself. This vaccine is VERY new and is just being tested for mass distribution. They are trying to push this out as soon as they can and I am a little afraid their testing, especially on pregnant women and the effects on the baby just won't be there. How are they going to know if there are lasting issues when most of these women testing the shot for us are about as far along as we are. Also this particular vaccine is VERY different from the others. It will mercury (thimerosal) and squalene (which has been highly linked to gulf war syndrome).

I will say there is a risk both ways and only you can decide what is best for you and for your baby. It is a lot of responsibility, isn't it? It isn't easy at all. I am very conservative for myself and for my developing children (until age 6 or 7) about vaccines, I usually delay them about a year from the doctor's schedule, but do your own research.

Here is a resource, I don't know how far of the beaten path this site is:

http://www.naturalnews.com/027019_H1N1_pregnant_women_mer...

But that is the information I am receiving from MANY natural sources. If you are in town Peoples RX also has some immune boosting type things if you do or don't get the flu shot that I would encourage you to look into-Vitamin D for one is suppose to be so good.

One more thing. Vaccine makers, especially these quickly making the H1N1 vaccine and other vaccines are immune to any type of lawsuit, so you can't sue them or your doctor.

Find Inserts for vac's , study the info and make your own idea of what is proper for you. There is plenty of info out on the internet

I would like to comment on those you made reference to Mercola.com. Please do your research before you believe anything that is stated on that site. Joseph Mercola is not even a medical doctor and he is highly controversial. He has received numerous warnings from the FDA for marketing violations of products he was trying to promote. He has also been criticized as being just a clever "snakeoil salesman" who relies on scare tactics.

The bottom line is that the flu can be deadly in pregnant women and can be deadly for infants. The benefits of having the vaccine far outweigh any risks. Do you ever hear of people dying from the flu vaccine? No! Do you hear about people dying from the flu? Absolutely! Do the math... with all of the lawsuits these days do you honestly think that your doctor would recommend something that wasn't safe for you or your baby. No way! We get vaccinated for the flu every year and have a very healthy, happy family. Yes, I got vaccinated when I was pregnant with my daughter and she's now the healthiest kid on the block. Only you can make that decision though. My best advice to you is to make an educated decision about what is best for you and your family. An educated decision, though, means talking to experts, medical professionals, etc.... not untrained entreprenuers who try to scare people into buying their books and products.

Hi J.,
Have you asked your baby's pediatrician's office if they have the thimerosal free shots? Most carry it now since parents don't want to risk that preservative with their little ones. If you don't find what your looking for, then at least know that I went through 2 pregnancies without any flu shots and was lucky not to catch the flu. One of my girlfriends who was pregnant at the same time as me did get the flu shot and still caught the flu that year. Good luck:

Hi, J. ...

I was pregnant with my second child during flu season, and I got the seasonal flu shot ... He was actually born healthier than my other 2 children! The H1N1 has been tested in pregnant women and children, and it has been found to be safe. Also, the people that were in the clinical trials for the H1N1 shot have had side effects similar to the seasonal flu shot, nothing more. If it helps to know, I even heard that when you get the H1N1 flu shot while your pregnant, you pass the immunity on to your baby. I'm assuming it's the same with the seasonal flu, as well. I have 2 small children and a newborn, so my children, my husband, and I are getting the seasonal flu and swine flu shot.