Flu jab or not?

funnyrubberducky · 2020-09-30T19:05:57+00:00

Hi all! I'm currently 20+2 weeks pregnant and I was wondering if anybody is or isn't getting the flu injection this year? I have asthma and get offered it each year but I've never had it before and I've heard mixed things about it. With coronavirus it's making me think it's essential. What do you think? Thanks in advance [smile]

OverTheRainbow88 · 30/09/2020 20:08

It’s advised for all pregnant women, so I would personally get it done, especially with covid and asthma!

otterbaby · 30/09/2020 20:09

I've just had it and I'm 39+2. Not taking any chances with a new baby! I believe your immune system is also weakened during pregnancy, so you're more susceptible. And I imagine having the flu would be extra awful while pregnant!

Coriandersucks · 30/09/2020 20:11

I don’t see how it’s essential when it doesn’t protect against all flu strains - the reason I never got it was because I overheard the nurse say to an old lady complaining that her husband had got flu after receiving the jab that they can’t cover everything so fly is still a risk.

It boils down to what you feel the risks are to you personally.

Afibtomyboy · 30/09/2020 20:14

@Coriandersucks

I don’t see how it’s essential when it doesn’t protect against all flu strains - the reason I never got it was because I overheard the nurse say to an old lady complaining that her husband had got flu after receiving the jab that they can’t cover everything so fly is still a risk.

It boils down to what you feel the risks are to you personally.

When pregnant I generally followed NHS rather than how I felt.

I’m not a medic.

Sakura7 · 30/09/2020 20:17

@Coriandersucks

I don’t see how it’s essential when it doesn’t protect against all flu strains - the reason I never got it was because I overheard the nurse say to an old lady complaining that her husband had got flu after receiving the jab that they can’t cover everything so fly is still a risk.

It boils down to what you feel the risks are to you personally.

It doesn't protect against all strains but it does cover the ones expected to be most prevalent. Some protection is better than none, especially this year.

TheDaydreamBelievers · 30/09/2020 20:49

I get it through work every year and will take it this year (5 weeks pregnant)

bluemoon2468 · 30/09/2020 20:53

I'm 39+4 and had mine done yesterday - was desperate to squeeze it in before baby arrives! Both for myself and for my baby! 100% get it done. I don't really understand why you wouldn't?

Mumof3almost4 · 30/09/2020 21:11

I was very reluctant to have it done, never considered it in the past but really thought about it due to the current situation and asked advice, had it at 22 weeks last week. I have been fine up to now and feel better for protecting myself even if it doesn't cover all strains.

Turtleturtle81 · 30/09/2020 21:39

I don’t see how it’s essential when it doesn’t protect against all flu strains

So you would prefer for you and your baby to have no protection from all strains of flu, rather than protection from some of the most common strains of flu?

Spudina · 30/09/2020 21:45

It may stop you from getting the flu. You are immunosuppressed and living through a pandemic. In your shoes I would get it. (I’ve had mine) it’s true that it doesn’t work on every strain but it’s still better than nothing.

Nimsay1 · 30/09/2020 21:57

If you've ever had flu before, you'd know hat it's not something you'd want to deal with through pregnancy. Apparently last year was a bad year as it was a slightly different strain than they were expecting so the jab wasn't guaranteed to protect you, but that's not the norm.

makingmiracles · 30/09/2020 22:14

I would, but then I had flu 17yrs ago whilst 7months pg with dc1. Worst experience of my life, bed bound for 2 weeks, struggled to breath, running a fever most days, every bone in my body hurt and at points I actually thought I might not make it.

It was the most unwell I have ever been and I would not like to repeat it. There was recommendations the following year for all pregnant women should get vaccinated as drs were saying flu+fevers could cause brain damage in unborn babies- the article I read was in the telegraph jan 2004.

Everybody has been advised to get flu shot this year what with COVID, its one less thing to suffer or to overwhelm the nhs.

BingerGiscuit · 30/09/2020 22:28

I’m asthmatic too and get offered the jab every year, I used to get it but it made me ill every year so I stopped after three. It’s been about seven years since I last had one but I’ve booked mine this year as I’m 21 weeks pregnant, exactly for the reason that it’s recommended when you’re pregnant and I’ll take the advice of the pros

Lackadaisically · 30/09/2020 22:33

Having had a couple of colds in pregnancy I know that sucks and the idea of flu whilst pregnant or with a newborn is just horrific! I know it doesn't cover all strains but I'll take any extra immunity going!

Mine is booked for a few weeks time. Had one in my last pregnancy as well.

emma911030 · 30/09/2020 22:34

I get it every year due to immunity issues anyway. But I phoned and booked mine today. I'll be 32 weeks when I have mine done.

Sls668 · 30/09/2020 23:38

I am 35 weeks and asthmatic so, like you, I get offered it every year but always decline as my asthma is well controlled and I feel like I’d rather trust my own immune system than inject myself with unknown substances.
However, this year, my immune system has taken a bit of a battering in pregnancy (just minor things - oral thrush, cold sores etc) and with everything going on, I’d rather have the extra protection. I had mine on Monday and haven’t had any negative symptoms (yet).

MnM156 · 01/10/2020 00:12

Definitely a Yes from me. I am 27 weeks and waiting for my flu jab. The surgery has run out of the vaccine so I should be getting it by next week when they restock.

Gerdticker · 01/10/2020 02:10

Yes definitely.

No brainer for me.

Yes there’s a chance that the vaccine doesn’t cover all the flu strains - but there’s a strong chance it will give you a good amount of cover and as @makingmiracles says, being ill with flu is a serious business. People in our grandparents generation regularly used to die from it, and the complications of a bad bout could be awful for you/baby.

I used to work in a pharmaceutical co and learned the pretty simple but astounding science about vaccines. They are truly the most incredible achievement of modern Medicine.

RustyCat · 01/10/2020 09:53

I am 100% getting mine, I was going to pay for one but work are giving us vouchers to get them done for free (paid by work). So I'll be booking in for mine as soon as I have my voucher. I've had flu twice and both times been really ill.

aToadOnTheWhole · 01/10/2020 12:45

Im booked in for mine when I'll be 17 weeks. I'll get the rest of the household vaccinated as soon as I can.

I've had flu, I don't fancy it when I'm pregnant or with a newborn. It's horrendous. Also had what I (and MW) reckon was covid right at the beginning of the pandemic and I don't fancy having that again so I'll get a CV jab of when one becomes available!

I'll trust that those with medical knowledge, training and experience know better than me on this one.

Bluebirdsky · 01/10/2020 13:30

I am asthmatic and pregnant and getting mine today. I remember looking after a pregnant woman with flu in the ITU a few years ago and it has always stuck with me. Apparently if you got flu and Covid 19 at the same time then the changes of you being quite unwell are much higher so if anything I think it's more important this year.

CoalCraft · 01/10/2020 13:46

Just had it yesterday - I basically have a policy of taking all medically recommended vaccines and the flu jab is recommended in pregnancy.

Virtually painless and no fuss at all. Apart from an allergy or medical advice I don't see why anyone wouldn't get it. It can save lives.

countbackfromten · 01/10/2020 14:46

You cannot get flu from having the flu jab. Flu in pregnancy can be horrific, I have sadly taken care of several pregnant women on ITU with flu. Plus flu and covid combined (some patients have contracted both) doubles your mortality. Get the vaccine (I had mine yesterday!)

Tasje · 01/10/2020 18:30

I got mine yesterday at 23 weeks. The NHS website says the flu has been linked to stillbirth and premature birth so if I can reduce the chance of those even a little bit I feel it's worth it. I realise it doesn't cover all strains but I'm happy to reduce the risk of catching flu even if I can't eliminate it entirely.

I felt nervous as haven't had a vaccine in ages but I barely felt it.