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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Flu Jab inc H1N1 strain

50 replies

cotswolder · 20/10/2010 11:53

I've just received letter from local surgery saying they are inviting preg women in for Flu Vacc which inlcud H1N1 strain, on basis of DoH recommendation.

Anyone else had this or know of any issues with it?

Letter is not forcing the issue - rather asking that if I want the jab then to contact local surgery.............

never thought about it before now......

OP posts:
Yellowflowers · 20/10/2010 12:02

I saw the advice and went to docs last week to request jab. Got it there and then - all was fine. Didn't hurt, no side effects, and feel better knowing I have some protection whilst pregnant and also while we have a newborn. Am hoping to persuade dh to go get it done too - though he doesn't qualify for getting it free.

Smithy1979 · 20/10/2010 12:13

Had the same letter and also wondering whether I should have it or not. Is there plenty of evidence that there's no adverse impact on the baby? My EDD is just over 3 weeks so wondering if I should wait til the baby has arrived.

Cyclebump · 20/10/2010 12:37

I'm 16+2 and had mine last week. I work on a medical magazine and am surrounded by clinically people and none had a bad word to say. I've had normal, but proper, flu once before long before I was pg and it was HORRENDOUS, I didn't eat for a week and lost weight. It took me about two weeks before I felt even a smidgen better. I'll be heading towards 20/25 weeks when peak flu season hits, I can't face the idea of flu while pregnant.

Feeling fine so far.

JeelyPiece · 20/10/2010 12:54

There are other threads on this in Pregnancy, if you have a look (not berating just informing!).

There is no evidence of harm from getting the jab in pregnancy, however there is plenty of evidence of harm from getting flu in pregnancy.

I had my vaccine last week after getting an invitation from my GP (18 weeks pg).

Original poster
cotswolder · 20/10/2010 13:03

Thanks. Am 28 weeks and will prob get done - will phone them tomorrow!

Sorry - am new!

OP posts:
JeelyPiece · 20/10/2010 13:07

If you want to look at links to research into the risks of flu in pregnancy this thread has lots.

It turns into a bit of a car crash though, and watch out for crazies.

mousymouse · 20/10/2010 13:08

not pregnant but just had the jab last week. no side effects at all.

RoxieP · 20/10/2010 13:10

I'm a med student and would recommend it. The antibodies your body makes in response to the vaccine pass to your baby through the placenta and the breast milk, so it will reduce the chance of the baby getting flu in the first few months. And as we all know flu is particularly dangerous for newborns. Plus you're protected too of course which is a bonus!

The vaccine is not a live vaccine so there is no risk of you getting ill from the vaccine itself.

I am 28 weeks and haven't been offered one yet, but I'm definitely going to find out if they're offering it in my area.

StrangewaysHereICome · 20/10/2010 13:22

I am 21 weeks and I want the jab. Like cyclebump I had proper flu a few years ago and it was horrendous, I just can't imagine going through that while pg. The trouble is my surgery can't make me an appt before 27th November which is really frustrating.

Original poster
cotswolder · 20/10/2010 13:27

Thanks Jeelypiece - that thread is really helpful!

OP posts:
clarabella18 · 20/10/2010 13:27

Just got a letter from the hospital yester recommending I should have it and to contact my Docs. Am in two minds at the moment but having just had a horrendous cold which was bad enough I am seriously considering it.

wigglesrock · 20/10/2010 13:28

Am 23 weeks and waiting on my surgery offering me one, both dds had jab last year as they are under 5. Am going to get it I think Confused had read previous threads before they all got a bit waagh!!

Smithy1979 · 20/10/2010 13:45

I think I'll have it then. Hearing more positive than negative comments about it and hadn't considered that it might stop baby from getting flu too.

SaraL77 · 20/10/2010 13:52

I've also been told by my midwife that I should have it. I spoke to a friend who had a midwife who said she shouldn't have it! I think this mixed advice is awful. Anyway, I have thought about it and based on my not wanting to suffer with Flu whilst pregnant and with the facts that the baby will be protected for the first few months of his or her life, I think its definitely worth doing, going to book mine asap!

  • I had the swine flu jab whilst pregnant with my DS1 and had no side effects and he is also fine!
japhrimel · 20/10/2010 14:42

I've had it. It was the least painful jab I've ever had and no side effects whatsoever.

Personally I don't want to risk flu while pregnant or with a newborn.

lucielooo · 20/10/2010 17:24

Having read the whole of the other thread I think I'll be having it too. Thanks to those on that thread who provided useful evidence to help make the decision :)

Threelittleducks · 20/10/2010 19:35

Ahrgh - I booked an appointment for next week (start of flu clinics at our surgery) and thought I was being all clever as getting it before cs which is booked the mon after (there is only 1 flu clinic on 26th Oct and cs booked 1st Nov). Busy patting self on back for being all efficient and protecting newborn...yadda yadda.

Then!!!

Get a letter through door - "you should come to our 'complex flu clinic' as our records indicate you are currently immunosuppresed."

First and only clinic? Starts on......1st November - same bloody day as cs!!!
What the buggery do I do about that?!

japhrimel · 20/10/2010 19:52

Stick with the GP surgery appointment.

sam26oscar · 20/10/2010 21:51

Got it booked for sat am, employer is a g.p and recommended i got it

roulade · 21/10/2010 10:49

Well i booked mine last week and arrived at the surgery on Tuesday to have it done and the GP told the nurse I couldn't have it becuase I am pregnant! I am still waiting to hear from the practice manager regarding this farce!

lucielooo · 21/10/2010 12:17

Oh that's interesting roulade - will you let us know if they ever give an explanation of why not?!

Expecting06112010 · 21/10/2010 12:23

im 37 weeks+5, do i need this? my midwife or doctors surgery hasnt said anything to me!

CTJ82 · 21/10/2010 14:51

My Midwife didn't mention it, however when I asked about it and she recommended it to me and I got it done at my surgery last weekend.

The doctor who gave me the jab said that pregnant women have been advised to have the vaccine this year, though she hasn't had many takers as of yet.

It didn't hurt but it gave me a slight rash for a few days - IMO it is worth it if it protects me and baby from flu.

Original poster
cotswolder · 21/10/2010 14:54

saw midwife today and she was handing copies of letters to everyone. she said most were taking it up.

Normal flu jabs can be done by nurses - however pregnant women need to have it done by a doctor apparently - so we get treated differently.

OP posts:
JeelyPiece · 21/10/2010 15:50

I had my flu jab from a nurse at the normal vaccine clinic.