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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?

52 replies

LL308 · 19/10/2020 21:24

Hi ladies,

Just trying to decide whether or not to opt for the flu jab. I will get the whooping cough but i’ve heard mixed opinions about the flu jab and nervous to get it whilst pregnant.

Opinions welcomed!

OP posts:
lollypop345 · 19/10/2020 21:30

Had mine a few weeks ago, no issues. Normally get bad flu every year so was a no brainer for me x

EveningReflection · 19/10/2020 21:30

Yes I got mine a month ago, protects you and baby from getting severely ill with flu. No brainer in my opinion, plus the benefits for society and NHS. Theres no active flu in the adult vaccine. It can make you feel rubbish for a few days as it triggers your body to make antibodies. I also got a sore arm for a few days at the injection site.

MnM156 · 19/10/2020 21:30

I had my flu jab last week and had no issues with it. No side effects at all. NHS wouldn't recommend it to pregnant women if they weren't sure of it. I don't want my baby to have flu or anything so I am all for getting vaccinations if it keeps my baby healthy.

Csari · 19/10/2020 21:32

Had mine in September, no side effects other than a sore arm. I get it every year as figure even some protection is better than none. I had it while pregnant with my Ds too with no issues.

Turtleturtle81 · 19/10/2020 21:34

The only opinions you need to listen to are those from medical professionals.

Medical professionals recommend it for all pregnant women for a reason. Flu whilst pregnant can be dangerous for both mother and the baby.

Wolfiefan · 19/10/2020 21:34

Why wouldn’t you though?

WhatNameToChooseNow · 19/10/2020 21:36

Had mine. No adverse reactions at all.

Apandemicyousay · 19/10/2020 21:37

It’s recommended to have a flu vaccine by doctors whilst pregnant because the Flu can be dangerous in pregnancy and lead to premature delivery, still births etc.

Original poster
LL308 · 19/10/2020 21:38

Thank you! Well ironically my husband is from a family of pharmacists who all seem against! Also, nurse at my GP was against it and gave me a reason I won’t even repeat! Despite this, I will get it.

OP posts:
JemimaTiggywinkle · 19/10/2020 21:41

Yes, I’ve had it. My arm was a bit sore the next day, that’s it.

I know some people say that it can make you feel a bit poorly, but I’ve never had that.

It’s also quite likely, given the time of year, that people who feel poorly after it have already caught a cold and would have been a bit under the weather regardless.

Ellovera2 · 19/10/2020 21:44

The flu can be extremely dangerous in pregnancy:

You're less able to fight infections during pregnancy.

Flu can also be serious for newborn babies, who can catch the infection from their mothers.

One of the most common complications of flu is bronchitis, a chest infection that can become serious and develop into pneumonia.

Other less common complications of flu include:

middle ear infection (otitis media)
sepsis
inflammation of the brain (encephalitis)

If you have flu while you're pregnant, it could mean your baby is born prematurely or has a low birth weight, and may even lead to stillbirth or death in the first week of life.

Not worth the risk IMO. Why would you not?

Turtleturtle81 · 19/10/2020 21:44

Then those people need to be reported. Medical professionals have a duty of care to their patients - advising pregnant women to not get the flu jab based on their own opinions is unethical and probably breaking code of conduct.

NatalieH2220 · 19/10/2020 21:44

Yep had mine a few weeks ago. Usually I have no side effects but I did feel a bit run down after this time. Nothing compared to flu though I'm sure so still worthwhile.

NoIdea1234 · 19/10/2020 21:46

I had mine a couple of weeks ago, no side effect at all.

RestorationInsanity · 19/10/2020 21:47

Interestingly when I went to get mine a couple of weeks ago (32 weeks at the time) the nurse asked if I was sure I was supposed to have it. I knew I was as the NHS website says so and my midwife has just told me to book it as soon as possible, but I found it disconcerting that a nurse would question a pregnant woman having it.

NoNameIdeas · 19/10/2020 21:53

Having mine later this week and I'm 33 weeks with my second, was the earliest I could get it at my surgery but definitely can't think of a reason not to. My ds will also have the nasal one...again, because, why wouldn't you?

XiCi · 19/10/2020 21:53

I had mine a couple of weeks ago and have never had so much as a sore arm before but this time had an allergic reaction that was awful. Every single part of my body itchy and covered in hives and my hands and feet literally burning and just feeling really shit for a few days. I'm glad I had it and I'm protected from flu but it makes me really wary of getting it again. I've heard from a couple of other people that it affected them badly this year, not sure why it would be any different to other years though

Disappointedkoala · 19/10/2020 21:54

I've got mine this week. I've had flu - it's awful, I'd prefer not to go through that again, especially when pregnant or with a new baby.

XiCi · 19/10/2020 21:54

Why are the pharmacists against having it? Bit odd given that they will likely be administering hundreds of doses

SingingWaffleDoggy · 19/10/2020 21:56

It seems ridiculous that trained healthcare professionals would advise you against something when all of the current research and guidance suggest it’s of benefit.
I am pregnant, and will absolutely be having it as that is what is the best evidence based practice. I’d rather have a sore arm for a day or 2 than contend with the flu while pregnant.

Oly4 · 19/10/2020 21:58

Yes of course and you should too. Flu is dangerous in pregnancy and Covid and flu together would be a recipe for disaster

TheBaroucheBox · 19/10/2020 21:59

What is their rationale against the flu vaccine out of interest?

introv3rt · 19/10/2020 22:03

Got mine on Friday at 15 weeks. No side effects just my arm was slightly sore to sleep on for 2 nights

Bumble84 · 19/10/2020 22:19

Yes I’m getting it. Flu can be fatal for pregnant women. You’re immune system is depressed during pregnancy so less able to ward off infection. It is not a live vaccine so can’t give you flu. I don’t want to run the risk of catching Covid and flu together. I don’t want to be a burden on the nhs if I did need hospitalised for flu (and could’ve prevented it with a vaccine) Antibodies from the vaccine are passed onto baby (especially breast fed babies)

The nurse who advised you against it should be reported and I wouldn’t hesitate to report them. Am I the only one desperate to know her reasoning?

I also can’t fathom what your husband and families reasoning against it would be.

TheDaydreamBelievers · 19/10/2020 22:21

I had it today. Arm slightly aches, otherwise fine. I believe the evidence base shows far more benefits than harms and I have had it the last 5 years too (am a healthcare professional - we get them at work). The nurse had no concerns about me being pregnant