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Pregnancy

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

Original poster

Are you getting the flu jab?

46 replies

Tadda · 16/10/2018 15:49

I've just had my 28 week appointment with m/w and she's asked me to get the Flu jab.

I've never had one before, but at my 20 week scan they gave me the whooping cough vaccine and I was really ill for about 5 days -

Everyone I've ever known to have had the flu jab before has said that they then went on to have 'the worst flu they've ever had' or were definitely ill after it -

I don't know what best (midwife told me about infant mortality rates regarding flu as 'the biggest risk' after I explained that I didn't think I'd be getting one....made me feel slightly shitty...!)
Should I get one?? Are you??

OP posts:
Nellyelora · 16/10/2018 15:51

I'm currently sitting in the doctors waiting room waiting for my flu and whooping cough appointment! I've had flu once and it was absolutely awful, never ever want to go through that again. I know the vaccination doesn't prevent all strains but I'm happy to take it

welshweasel · 16/10/2018 15:52

Yes I’ve had mine, and made my husband get one too. Flu in pregnancy kills. The flu vaccine is not a live vaccine - you can’t catch flu from it, it’s just not scientifically possible. I didn’t get any side effects at all and nor has anyone else I know (I work for the nhs so everyone at work gets it).

TheCatFromOuterSpace · 16/10/2018 15:52

I'm not pregnant but had mine at the weekend - it was absolutely fine. In previous years I've felt a bit grotty afterwards but this time I had no side effects. My Ds had the nasal spray at the same time and he has been fine too.

myotherbagisgucci · 16/10/2018 15:56

I had mine last week and apart from my arm being a little achy for a few days, I've had no side effects. I also had it during my pregnancy with DD1 and had no issues then either.

ChocolateChipMuffin2016 · 16/10/2018 15:56

Mine is booked for Saturday. My DM said the same about having the worst flu afterwards but I had it when I was pregnant with DS and was fine. I would rather be safe that sorry.

Velmasglasses · 16/10/2018 15:57

I've had the flu jab for about the last 6 years, including during both my pregnancies. I've never experienced any side effects. It isn't a live vaccine so it shouldn't affect you in any way. If you happen to get a cold around the same time, it's just an unfortunate coincidence. Much better to get the jab than get the flu and risk being ill during your pregnancy.

Original poster
Tadda · 16/10/2018 16:02

Ok decided flu jab it is - thank you :)

OP posts:
PeanutButterJellyTime2 · 16/10/2018 16:09

The flu vaccine cannot cause flu because there are no active viruses in the vaccine. Symptoms following a flu jab are called 'robust immune responses'.
In 1918 the influenza pandemic killed more people than the First World War. It still kills hundreds of thousands of people annually worldwide.

There is excellent information on the NHS website. This article is also very helpful with lots of links:
www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/sep/13/flu-jab-free-vaccination-nhs

(Sorry, don't know how to do clicky ones)

Emelene · 16/10/2018 16:52

I've had mine - no issues. :) Flu can be really dangerous for pregnant women, so definitely worth protecting you and baby.

wejammin · 16/10/2018 17:00

I had mine last week and I've been fine

Theseptemberissues · 16/10/2018 17:02

Had mine last week, no issues Smile

Stephisaur · 16/10/2018 17:18

I see you’ve decided, but just to add - I had mine for the first time and I was fine :)

It made me quite sleepy (which I didn’t expect!) but other than that I had no side effects :)

HarrietCole · 16/10/2018 17:20

Glad you put this post up as I was feeling and thinking exactly the same!
After reading all the responses I'll definitely be going ahead with the vaccine now.

Darkstar4855 · 16/10/2018 17:21

Had mine two weeks ago, no problems.

WinkysTeatowel · 16/10/2018 17:56

Had mine, I would say if you are trying to sleep on your left side then remember to get it in your right arm...

SharedLife · 16/10/2018 18:01

I dropped into my local Tesco and got mine! Very easy and quick. And very conveniently located for post jab chocs to sooth my achey arm. (Only ached for about 2 hours) Smile

twiglet · 16/10/2018 18:01

Yes I've had mine last week, made me a bit tired but nothing else.

It's not worth the risk not having it IMO

TwoDrifters · 16/10/2018 18:05

TheCatFromOuterSpace I had mine yesterday and my DS was booked in to have the nasal spray directly after me but they ended up telling me to bring him back in a fortnight once my jab had “kicked in” and become effective as the nasal spray is a live vaccine and can “shed” for up to a week afterwards? So maybe just be wary around your son’s sneezes!

snoopy18 · 16/10/2018 18:33

Good luck with yours :)

I had both at the same time the whooping and flu. I had bad headaches for a few days although it could just be the pregnancy and had bad palpitations for a few days too and sore arms. Hopefully worth it though!

LittleMouseontheDairy · 16/10/2018 20:43

TwoDrifters - that’s interesting. I’m booked in to have mine this Sat and 2 yr old DS is also booked to have the nasal spray. The receptionist didn’t mention this but I’ll check with the nurse.

NoNoCharlieRascal · 16/10/2018 20:47

I had mine this morning along with the whooping cough vaccination. Only side effect is two sore arms.

TheCatFromOuterSpace · 16/10/2018 21:29

@TwoDrifters that's interesting, the same nurse did us both and didn't mention anything. Touch wood Ds didn't seem to too sniffly afterwards.

PositivelyPERF · 16/10/2018 21:32

the worst flu they've ever had those people have obviously never had the real flu before or they would know that their reaction was nothing close to a flu.

Eminybob · 16/10/2018 21:36

Yeah, just had mine the other day, I also had it with my last pregnancy and have had a couple in between as freebies from work.
Never got ill from it, or had flu when I’ve had it.
OTOH I had flu last winter when I had not been vaccinated and it was fucking awful, I was laid up for days. Definitely would not want to do that pregnant, or risk the baby’s health.

bakingdemon · 16/10/2018 21:40

I'm 29 weeks and I had mine a couple of weeks ago. I've been fine and I'm glad to know that me and my baby will be protected.