Flu Jab

[LouiseSarah]

Hi, does anyone know of any reason why I shouldnt get the flu jab when pregnant as I have heard from friends that it's best to protect yourself when pregnant and get it done?

Some people aren't happy taking anything when pregnant. Personally I thought that avoiding the definite risks of flu was the most important thing and got it done.

This is such an incredibly personal choice and nobody should criticise whatever you choose.

I think quite a few women declined last year's swine flu vaccine because it was relatively untested, although still thought by the 'experts' in the UK to be safe. This year's is a combined vaccine to treat normal seasonal as well as swine flu and has been longer in the making/ testing i think. It also doesn't use a live virus so there are fewer side effects and my midwife told me there had been no problems reported from pregnant women who had taken it.

That said, i declined it. Mainly because i'm very late on in my pregnancy and all is going very well and i've been reluctant to take any meds at all, including paracetamol, as the medical profession always seem to be changing their minds on what is safe and what isn't. I'm on maternity leave so i'm not in an office with re-circulated air and don't really spend a lot of time in busy, crowded places.

I think you just need to go by what feels right for you and your circumstances, including how far into your pregnancy you are and whether there have been any complications etc.