Flu jab in 3rd trimester

[user1465146157]

Hello - I never had the flu jab as it wasn't offered over the summer when I was at the right stage in pregnancy to have it.

I'm 37 weeks now, almost 38 and have been told to get it.

Just a bit worried as it's so late on.

Has anyone else had it this late and was it ok?

Thank you

I thought there was only guidance for the whooping cough vaccine to be within certain weeks, I think flu jab can be anytime

As far as I know you can have it during any stage, they only tend to offer it coming into flu season so you wouldn’t have had it over the summer.

I had mine at 34 weeks and I just had a sore arm for a couple of days

I had mine yesterday at 37 weeks. Was absolutely fine and definitely better to get it late to protect you and your baby than not at all. Are you worried about anything in particular?

I tried and haven't been able to get it anywhere.

Tried GP who said try local pharmacy, tried 5 local pharmacies who said try midwife, asked midwifes and they said try the hospital antenatal clinic, tried the hospital antenatal clinic and they said try GP.

I also tried all local supermarket pharmacies, Boots and Superdrug.

Every one of them said there is a national shortage of the flu vaccine for 16-64 year olds, that at the moment they're only vaccinating 65+ age group and that GP surgeries should have enough vaccine for all their vulnerable patients.

Good luck.

Thanks all - not sure what I'm worried about I think I just thought it was meant to be earlier in the pregnancy

Also don't want it to actually give me the flu as I have enough going on!
I know symptoms are rare though right?

It can’t ‘actually give you the flu’- it is not a live vaccine. It could make you feel a bit under the weather for a few days.

I had mine a few days ago at 38+4. It was fine. It will protect the baby up until around 6 months old.

Flu jags are only offered between October & March (Flu Season).
You can’t get the flu from a flu vaccination.

Had mine last week at 38+6. Absolutely fine, just make sure you exercise the arm to prevent soreness. Apparently it might transfer some immunity to the baby, which can only be a good thing.

I had mine last week and I was 34 weeks, bit of a sore arm but no complaints except that.