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Pregnancy

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

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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:

BendingSpoons · 16/10/2018 21:48

I had it on Saturday. My arm was a bit sore but otherwise fine. If you get flu after it is either a different strain or you caught it before the vaccine kicked in, which I think takes about 2 weeks. DD had the nasal spray at the same time, hopefully that isn't an issue!

Mumtobe193 · 17/10/2018 01:03

I was fine after having mine whilst pregnant with DD? I know it can make some people feel a little ill though. Personally I would just have it. I think the reason you get it free in pregnancy is because flu can potentially become something more serious in pregnant women.

I'd have it just to minimise any risks.

I'm 12 weeks pregnant now, not due flu jab until I'm 28 weeks, and coming down with the flu, I wish they offered it to me bloody sooner! Lol. My DD's just come down with it and her flu vaccine is next week. Typical

LBNM19 · 17/10/2018 06:45

I've had mine, I'm 34 weeks pregnant, my son is severely disabled so I've had it for the past 6 years never had any adverse effects.

WhirlingTurkey · 17/10/2018 06:53

I get it every year as it is offered to employees where I work. I'd receive it on the NHS anyway as I fall into one of the "at risk" groups. Never had a problem with it. The flu jab doesn't cause flu, that's a myth. It can have side effects of course, just like any vaccination.

Original poster

Tadda · 17/10/2018 07:07

I'm off to get it done today (funny I've just had a text telling me there's an open flu jab clinic I cab attend this afternoon at my surgery).

It's difficult to know what to do for the best sometimes! We're now at the point where my DD is due her 1 year MMR, but have been also been told that it might be better to wait 10 weeks until bump has arrived as the Rubella vaccine is 'Live'??? But then is that putting her at risk???

OP posts:

welshweasel · 17/10/2018 07:18

@tadda there’s no risk to you from the MMR - presumably you’ve been vaccinated yourself against rubella anyway. I’d be very wary of putting it off for 10 weeks given how much measles is around in the U.K. currently.

Original poster

Tadda · 17/10/2018 07:26

Sorting all vaccines today!

OP posts:

shelly0 · 17/10/2018 10:41

I'm 39 weeks and did not and probably never will get the flu jab

Original poster

Tadda · 17/10/2018 12:03

Shelly0 - any reason you didn't get it or wouldn't?

OP posts:

Razzle88 · 17/10/2018 13:10

Is it ok to get flu jab in the first trimester? Asked the nurse and she was a little vague/unsure? :)

Razzle88 · 17/10/2018 13:11

Receptionist* not nurse ! Doh!

WhirlingTurkey · 17/10/2018 15:11

@Razzle88 I think it's not advised until second trimester, but I'm not 100% sure.

Original poster

Tadda · 17/10/2018 15:14

Razzle - I've just had mine done (queue was massive!) - I asked about side effects/risks during pregnancy and the nurse assured me that the vaccine is safe to have done at anytime during your pregnancy.

I'd call and speak to a nurse/GP/Midwife to check tho - I was concerned too

OP posts:

WhirlingTurkey · 17/10/2018 15:15

Actually, ignore me - NHS website doesn't mention anything. Seems like there was a study into miscarriage and flu jab, but the results have been sensationalised somewhat (surprise surprise!). It's probably worth Googling it and making your own decision.

KnucklestheEchidna · 17/10/2018 18:53

Thanks for the post OP, I had mine done this afternoon and the reassurance has been nice to read!

Original poster

Tadda · 17/10/2018 19:59

Welcome Knuckles :)
I felt (and needed!) the same reassurance too so also had mine done this afternoon - so nice it's helped you too x Thanks Posters x

OP posts:

witchy89 · 17/10/2018 21:06

No I won't be getting it. It's not been tested on pregnant women! I have never had the flu, or the flu jab. Last years vaccine was only 15% effective anyway.

Eminybob · 18/10/2018 16:56

It may not have “tested” on pregnant women but it is given to thousands of pregnant women every year and has been for years
I think if there was a problem with it it would have been discovered by now.

seeingdots · 18/10/2018 19:09

Last year I decided not to bother and I went and got flu for the first time. Horrendous and my family's Christmas was ruined as I could barely sit up for the best part of a week. Fucked if I'm having that this year whilst pregnant. There's a reason the NHS spends money on awareness raising about the flu jab for pregnant women.

HJ82 · 07/11/2018 08:16

Anyone have theirs in 1st trimester or all later on??

Tinypause · 07/11/2018 08:46

I had mine in the first trimester...achey arm for about 4 days but all fine apart from that. Best to get it done as soon as possible as flu can be really dangerous in pregnancy.

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