Flu Vaccine

[MustMountMoreFairies]

Hello all,

I recently found out I was pregnant, and, frankly, have sooooo much to learn about everything (1st pregnancy). I went to the doc, and am diligently reading the book he gave me.

He suggested the flu vaccine, which I know is standard, and explained that it is not the same as last year's pig flu vaccine.

So I wanted to ask what everyone is doing. My reasons for possibly not gettng the vaccine are:

1. Last year they were giving pig flu shots and then suddenly remembered it wasn't that great for the foetus. Who says the same won't happen with this vaccine?

1. I am generally against too much interference with natural systems.

BUT I understand that if you do get flu it can have disasterous consequences.

I figured people must have debated this, so what's the general opinion?

Thank you all.

Congrats on your pregnancy!

I had the jab done, I decided the risk of getting flu and having complications seem greater to me than the risk of the jab affecting the baby. As far as I've heard there were no complications from the jab last year.

I had the jab at around 25 or 30 weeks I think, no side affects apart from a slightly sore arm. DC2 still moving around just fine although I won't find out if he/she is 100% for another few weeks I'm not worried though.

Has it changed since the one given out in November?

I had that but then as a teacher I was high risk of getting flu. You need to debate your risk factors - do you tend to catch every bug going around?

This is a choice you have to make on your own but generally from posts I have seen on MN most woman tend to do as their GP suggests and take the jab. I have read a few posts of women suggesting waiting till you are over the 12 week mark before getting it but idk if there is any scientific justification for this or not. Idk if I would have gotten it if I wasn't a teacher tbh.

Sorry if I am unhelpful

I had the vaccine. it has swine flu included in with all the other strains of flu in the standard flu vaccine that they use every year. Normally it is offered to high risk groups such as asthmatics which must have included pregnant women in the past. The only difference is that pregnancy is in itself a risk factor for being badly affected by swine flu hence it being offered to all pregnant women this year. I know someone who ended up terribly ill with swine flu while pregnant last year so I didn't think twice about getting the vaccine.

I refused. There is no evidence to say its safe for un borns, no evidence to say it isn't either but i couldn't/wouldn't take the risk.

Thanks, I was also thinking of doing it after 12 weeks. What are the complications, actually, if you do get flu?

I do not tend to catch bugs (knock on wood), but do work in an office...

I know it's my decision at the end but wanted to hear other opinions, as I am so new at the whole pregnancy thing!

Congrats on your pregnancy!!

I'm currently 14 weeks pregnant and haven't had it. I have had 3 m/c's in the last 9 months, so am obviously very cautious about anything and everything!.
My consultant said if I choose to have it, wait till mid second trimester ( flu should be nearly over by then)...but he's not keen on me having it at all.

My GP didn't recommend it for me, as he said I'm healthy and have no medical issues...also it hasn't been tested on pregnant women.

I really think it's a totally personal choice, and if I hadn't have had my losses, I'm sure I would have had it.

Good luck with whatever you decide .

I caught flu at 38 weeks, gave birth with flu and recovered in an isolation ward. I would have the vaccine - I was unable to do anything - including eat, drink, stand, get to the toilet, lift and hold my baby. The only reason I didn't have it was that I was only offered it at 39 weeks!

Should add that I was told I got off lightly - they had a perfectly healthy but pregnant lady in intensive care. Swine flu does impact pregnant people more severely than non-pregnant people.

The point is that being pregnant supresses your immune system so that even if you are normally very healthy you struggle to fight things off. My friend ended up with pneumonia, I believe that's what normally causes the problems.

I had a very nasty chest infection, that despite about 6 different courses of anti-biotics I couldn't get rid of, last time I was pregnant. I was ill for 2 months and only recovered after the baby was born. I couldn't drive because I was having coughing fits that were so bad I couldn't even draw breath to carry on coughing. I seriously thought I was going to pass out at least once a day. It was making me vomit several times a day.

I was very lucky to have MIL come and look after me and my DD every day while DH was at work. I could only sit bolt upright or lie on one side or I couldn't breathe. The Drs were calling me every day and by the end were repeatedly sending me to hospital clearly expecting me to be admitted. I think the hospital didn't know quite what to do with me so sent me home again. It was terrible and I wouldn't wish it on anyone.

This probably influenced my decision to get the flu vaccine this time (along with what happened to my friend with SF). I should add that I am normally a very healthy person and don't suffer too badly with colds etc. Anyway, it's up to you, just be aware that the consequences of not having the vaccine can be very serious. AFAIK there is no evidence of any issues for the baby if you do have it.