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Pregnancy

flu jab

35 replies

ch1134 · 03/11/2013 14:12

Hi,
I've been contacted by the doctor's saying I should get the flu jab. I'm keen, as I had flu a couple of years ago and it wiped me out for weeks, I wasn't back to normal for months and kept getting tonsillitis.
But I've heard some rumours/ scaremongering from other people (mostly links on facebook from dubious sources) saying it's dangerous.
Have you had it? Would you advise against?
Thanks

OP posts:

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jammiecat · 04/11/2013 11:45

I've had it too, both to protect myself and my unborn babies whilst I am pregnant but also as it protects the babies from flu for a year after they're born. I did have a cold after having it but I was already brewing it when I had the jab so I am positive it is unrelated to the vaccination. Just not worth risking mine and my babies health in my view, especially as it is potential fatal to the baby and if you're pregnant you're at greater risk of developing complications from flu e.g. bronchitis.

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Lvcat · 04/11/2013 11:49

Is this something you can request from your GP? Or shall I go buy one from tesco? Xxx

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wm3010 · 04/11/2013 11:57

I had mine at 12 weeeks too, arm a bit sore for a day or two but no other ill effects. I think it can only be a good thing.

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Julietee · 04/11/2013 14:00

Lvcat If you're pregnant you are counted as 'at risk' and so qualify for the jab. If you've missed your GP surgery's flu jab days you may have to buy it, I guess it would depend on the surgery.

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Inglori0us · 04/11/2013 18:04

I'm having it next Thursday.
Anti vacc people astound me. I've seen pregnant ladies and neonates in ICU with complications from flu.
It will also protect you after you've had your baby and therefore reduce the risk of your baby being exposed if you were to get it.
The vaccine is safe and effective and recommended by the NHS.

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greentshirt · 04/11/2013 18:12

Lvcat - my midwife just told me to ring my GP, they do a few clinics where you just walk in, they ask you which at risk group you are in then give you the jab. if you cant make any of the clinics they will make you an appt to have it so you shouldnt have to pay. If you do its only about £8-£10 so not a bank breaker. Cant imagine the docs refusing you though.

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greentshirt · 04/11/2013 18:14

Inglori0us - completely agree. Life changing decisions usually made on some misinformation heard 3rd hand from an unreliable source. Means people who really do have to opt out of vaccinations cant rely on herd immunity which is very dangerous.

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OnePramAndHisSprog · 07/11/2013 21:55

FFS, what do you think a vaccine is if not a small amount of poison injected to try and prevent a worse poison? I'm not saying the end doesn't justify the means but don't try and kid yourself that it is a healthy thing to be putting in your body
"Flu" is not one simple illness. There are countless strains. You could have the jab and then come down with a different strain of it tomorrow so there is no need to be quite so sanctimonious about it.

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greentshirt · 07/11/2013 22:37

Or so scaremongering.

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greentshirt · 07/11/2013 22:43

Just to add, its the same as most things in pregnancy for me, low risk vs high stakes. I'd rather have the jab and not get flu (the most common strain) than not have it and either me or my baby be fatally ill or long term damaged. No brainer.