swine flu/flu jab?

[katzen]

Hi all

What are peoples' views on this years flu jab including the swine flu component this year.

I'm due middle of winter, is it unsafe to not get vaccinated?

thanks

[ilovefirelighters]

hi iv never had the normal flu jab and never had flu but as for the swine flu jab i stayed well clear when they offered it to me as we havent seen enough results of healthy babies after their mums have had it. i was worried it couldve been another thalidamide incident which i wasnt going to chance with my unborn child. plus swine flu isnt really about now so didnt think it was relavent. i think the general health professional opinion is dont, but they have to give you the option as we are 'vunerable'. these are just my views though and if you want the jabs but are worried seek more advice from your mw.

[japhrimel]

I'm asking about it at my next appointment.

The flu vacc has been used in pregnant women for years and the swine flu vacc wasn't really that different - the vaccine has to be made new every year anyway to take into account current strains of flu.

When pg you are higher risk of complications and that can be all the way up to you or your baby dying.

[katster37]

Is the vaccine a combined flu and swine flu one? I would have the flu vaccine but am a bit unsure about new combined vaccines. I did have the swine flu vaccine before Christmas while I was breastfeeding, but wouldn't have had it had I been pregnant.

[boognish]

I remember an earlier thread on this topic (about a month or two ago?) and it seems the swine flu jab contains mercury in some form or other. Because the new flu jab contains the swine flu jab (as I understand it) I've also been torn about this issue. I'm asthmatic so I have an additional reason for worrying. On average I usually get 3 chest infections with fever etc. which last for about 3 weeks per year when I don't have the flu jab - but I don't want to expose my baby to the swine flu jab, seeing as swine flu seems not to be particularly a problem any more.

[tanmu82]

I won't be having it personally. I am a natural sceptic. But if you are unsure, talk to your MW or GP. It's a personal decision

[angels1]

My DH has been called in for flu jab and the GP letter specifically states it DOES NOT cover swine flu as well, so not sure about regular flu jab having mercury in boognish

[stegasaurus]

I read in the paper today that swine flu is going to be the main strain of flu this year. There isn't the fear of a pandemic like there was last year but it is going to be around as well as other strains of flu. More pregnant women were hospitalised with swine flu last year than any other patient group and more died, so it is something to be aware of. I had the swine flu vaccine last year at work (although I had already come into contact with lots of suspected cases by then) and suffered no side effects except a very achy arm the next day. I was offered regular flu last year too but declined as I have never had the jab before and never had serious flu either.

[excitedmummy2be]

I would stay well clear of the swine flu jab personally...and have. Im 35 weeks and was offered this at the beginning of my pregnancy. I was concerned as I had read up on it and and there was nothing saying that there was not a risk to the baby. I spoke to MW who just kept saying "the government recommend you have it" I specifically asked "what risk is there to the baby?" Her answer? "The government recommend you have it" No one in the medical profession would actually say that there was little or no risk to the baby...just that its recommended!
As Ilovefirelighters said above, Thalidimide was considered safe previously and clearly wasnt. As swine flu jab hasnt been tested out and we dont know what the effect is on our unborn babies, I couldnt take the risk.