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Pregnancy

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

Original poster

Flu Jab

15 replies

snowmummy · 01/11/2010 10:16

Are any of you pg ladies having the flu jab this year? Does anyone know if the swine flu is included in the normal flu jab or are two separate jabs needed? What about side effects?

TIA

OP posts:
CTJ82 · 01/11/2010 10:23

I had the jab a few weeks ago (currently 32 weeks).
The swine flu vaccine was included in mine and other than a sore arm and a small rash where the needle went in i had no side affects.

stuffedmk · 01/11/2010 10:27

I had mine on Saturday, it was a combined flu/swine flu jab. I have a slightly sore patch on my arm but not enough to fret about. Apart from that I have felt no effects.
I pondered for a fair while over having it as I have been super paranoid after MC earlier in the year. My immediate reaction was no way but then decided to have it for a pretty pathetic reason....I have a nine year old son who brings bugs home regularly and I couldn't face the idea of flu with limited medication options. I am 18 weeks and I doubt I would have had it during the first trimester.

japhrimel · 01/11/2010 10:37

I've had mine - combined jab.

PrivetDancer · 01/11/2010 11:00

Yep I had combined jab a few weeks ago, at 34 weeks, no side effects at all.

Even though I'm nearly due I decided it was worth it as flu with a newborn (and no drugs if bfeeding!) would be heavy going. Plus the baby is protected after birth this way apparently.

Miffster · 01/11/2010 11:08

yep I had it when about 30 weeks, no side effects, H1N1 respiratory flu is dangerous to 3rd trimester pregnant women as lung capacity is already compromised by uterus squashing you inside, and it's dangerous to newborns and premature babies learning to breathe properly, so I was glad of the protection. The tiny, unproven risk of sideeffects vs the fact that pregnant women and babies were killed by H1N1 last year - no contest for me. It's not a live virus so does not affect baby - but it does help you produce antibodies which you can helpfully pass on to your baby.

Original poster
snowmummy · 01/11/2010 18:48

Thanks for your replies. I was concerned about any risks to the baby but you have all put my mind at rest. I think I'll go for it.

OP posts:
TheMulledBloodsOnMe · 01/11/2010 18:52

I've had the Flu jab but not the Swine flu. I think that you need to have further complications to have the Swine Flu too, such as diabetes etc.

I had it, it was fine. Arm was sore the next day for a couple of days and about a week after I felt like I was coming down with something but nothing came of it which I took to mean my immune system was kicking in.

I was a no-brainer to me as being pregnant your immune system is compromised anyway and I'd hate to get the flu and not be at my best to fight it. Also as I am BFing my toddler I take comfort in the fact that some of my immunity will be passed on to him.

PrivetDancer · 01/11/2010 20:35

Mulled - the seasonal flu jab this year includes h1n1, so if you had it recently then you probably have had swine flu jab too

nannyl · 01/11/2010 20:54

i had the flu jab last week (flu and swine flu combined)

am NOT pg yet (but plan to try next month) and would NOT have this jab (or any other non essential medication) while pregnant

Went to GP as asked to have it before i got pg and was told now way, funding is only available if you are already pg or in an at risk group... Sad

explained that i had had asthma as a child and was i eligable for that... she said i would be but it did not appear on my notes so no, but agreed to get out my written notes sent from old GP when o moved.#

Once it was established i had suffered with asthma i became eligable, so had it BEFORE being pregnant!

TheBreastmilksOnMe · 01/11/2010 21:29

Privet- No it was not combined because the nurse who adminstered it went through a checklist to see if I would qualify for the swine flu jab also and I did not so she only gave me the seasonal flu jab. Maybe it's different where you are?

Sidge · 01/11/2010 21:46

The seasonal flu jab has the H1N1 element included in it this year. You can't get seasonal flu jab on the NHS without the swine flu element in it.

This tells you a little more about it

SaraL77 · 02/11/2010 13:45

I had my flu jab yesterday (I'm 27+2) just a sore arm today, nurse said only side effects I might get are aching/mild flu symptoms and to take paracetamol if this happens. So far so good. I too decided to have it after considering that the risks to myself and the baby far outweighed any other percieved (and mostly over hyped) risks to the baby (of which the midwife said there were NONE)

SaraL77 · 02/11/2010 13:45

sorry, not very clear- risks to myself and baby with the flu versus risks to the baby from the injection!

RayeB · 02/11/2010 15:01

Hi, did you get a letter inviting you to go, or did you ask for it? I'm 22 wks but haven't heard anything from my GP or midwife.

ilovesmarties · 02/11/2010 15:04

Hi

Had it last week at 29 weeks and was flu and swine flu combined. It was by invitation from GP and had no lasting effects.

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