Flu vaccine

[Yazoop]

Hi all,

I am 6 weeks 4 days pregnant - it was a surprise natural conception after three failed IVF cycles and obviously thrilled- but also anxious to be super careful, particularly in first trimester.

I’ve been invited for my free flu jab given I’m pregnant. Doctor recommends to get it and I can’t see any clear risk of getting it but lots of risk from getting the flu - but I’m still nervous about getting a vaccination this early on. It is not really logical and I’m definitely not anti-vax!

But if I wait to 12 week scan - that’s new year and nearly coming out of flu season - seems silly to wait that long given run up to Xmas likely to be the riskiest time. I can’t stop worrying though and it is preventing me from getting it - though I am also anxious about getting the flu! Can someone give my head a wobble, please?!

They offer the flu jab because pregnancy dampens your immune system. So flu is likely to make you rather more ill than when not pregnant.

Flu often makes you run a fever, and if you get it more seriously then your temperature might be higher for longer.

High temperature in the mother during the first trimester is associated with some poorer outcomes for the baby. It can have adverse consequences at any point, but the baby has done the crucial forming up in the first trimester I'd worry a bit less about catching it after that.

Plus of course flu is pretty miserable to have at any time, and I really wouldn't want it on top of morning sickness, or when body is bulty.

Ditto covid (which can also affect placental function)

Flu vaccine has been given to pregnant women for donkeys years, as the risks to a pregnancy when contracting flu are pretty awful all the way to being admitted in hospital. The NHS advice is that it is given at any week of pregnancy and the earlier in flu season the better. Public transport especially these days is a real cesspit of coughs and sneezing, plus notice so many people don't cover their mouths and noses, it's vile haha!

https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/flu-jab/#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20most%20common,lead%20to%20stillbirth%20or%20death.

Thanks everyone. Decided to do it and had it this morning. I’m sure I’ll worry until at least my early scan on Friday! But on balance it is the right and logical thing to do.

I had flu and covid vaccines at about 6 weeks, had my 12 week scan last week and all is looking good 🙂 I felt there were more advantages to getting them than not.