Pregnant moms: flu shot or no flu shot?  |
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 I only have about 4 weeks or so left until we have our baby. We have been against the flu shots for many years . . . but now the doctors are advising that I should (of course they are going to). It would take the vaccine about 2 weeks to kick in - and to the baby as well. I'm still not 100% about getting it after hearing all the horror stories about it, yet I have to wonder about it. What decision have you made about getting a flu shot? By the way, it is available to me at anytime, so I'm not worried about not being able to get it.
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1.  dorannmwin (2470) | 2 months ago |  I'm not sure how long it is available to you. However, if it were me, if you are referring to the H1N1 flu shot, I don't think I would have it. The reason that I feel this way is that vaccine is so very new that who knows what effects that it could have in the long run. Especially on your baby. Ultimately, the decision is up to you so you yourself need to do the research and make the decision that is the best for you.
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| much2say (722) | 2 months ago | I thought the same thing about the H1N1 flu shot . . . who knows about the effects down the road . . . that unknown is a scary thought. Especially that some of those vaccines have ethylmercury in it. It's so hard to do research on it - real tough to decide as most medical articles will already say it's best for pregnant women to get vaccinated for the flu. Thanks, dorannmwin! | |
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2.  Binthu (3440) | 2 months ago |  Hi Much2,
As you have told that your doctor would suggest to have this
Flu shot in order to have the good health of the baby and you, so better
to accept the opinion of the doctor, because as you have knew that the
side effects of H1N1 Virus, so don't give the chance to that Virus
and better to be in the safe place in order to have the normal and
healthy delivery. So I am strongly advising you to have the Flu Shot
in order to save the health of the new born baby from this H1N1 Virus.
Have a nice day.
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 o0Tora0o (261) | 2 months ago |  Just because a doctor recommends something or writes a prescription for it doesn't mean it's the best thing for the patient. My husband had the flu recently, and the doctor he saw prescribed him Percocet for his aches and pains. That's a narcotic pain reliever--waaay more extreme than someone suffering from flu-related aches and pains should need! On top of that, it contains oxycodone, which can be habit-forming. Every other medical professional I mentioned that prescription to was shocked and somewhat appalled.
Patients shouldn't feel obligated to follow a certain course of action just because their doctor recommends it. They shouldn't be afraid to question what they're being prescribed, why they're being prescribed it, and whether the risks of the recommended treatment outweigh the risks of what it's being prescribed to treat. And it's not unreasonable to get a second or even third opinion from another medical professional before deciding on a treatment plan. The key is to be informed about the decisions you make, especially where your own health is concerned.
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| much2say (722) | 2 months ago | Binthu - Well, I still am not convinced entirely about the flu vaccine, so I am still thinking about it further. Of course everyone at the hospital I go to is going to tell me I should get it . . . perhaps it's more protocol than opinion - who knows. The flu shot would be for the sake of the baby's health, as well as mine, so it's really a tough decision. | |
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| much2say (722) | 2 months ago | o0Tora0o - I agree that just because a doctor says so doesn't necessarily mean we should jump on it. It's just hard to say what really is best for us, when the medical world towers over everyone. Research on this flu issue is difficult as most everyone in the medical world is saying the same thing . . . but I am still not convinced of it. I'm not one for medications, especially strong ones, so I can see your point about your husband's prescription for the flu . . . that is way extreme!
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| 3. evalotta (11) | 2 months ago |  I am pregnant as well and have been tormented by this decision. I have to this date never had a flu shot and neiter has anyone in my family.
I am 32 weeks pregnant. Last time I saw my OB (who I greatly respect and like) he highly recommended I should have the H1N1, based on the 28 pregnant women that has died etc. He also said that he has to recommend me to take it due to liability. This was about 3 weeks ago and they didn't have it available (due to a bunch of vaccine being damaged in a failing fridge..!?!?!). Based on my discussion with him at the time, I probably would have taken the H1N1 vaccine then.
2 weeks later I had another appointment, this time with his NP, since he was on vacation. At this time both flu vaccines were available to me. We discussed it at lenght, since I wasn't sure what to do. I had talked to a few friends and researched some online before this appointment. The NP's attitude was: She understands it is a huge decision and she understands that its a hard one. And she urged me try to not feel pressure from anyone to do it. Do what I feel is best. After all there is still no guarantee I will not get the flu, even if I take the vaccine. I told her I wanted to wait and think about it and to do some more research.
I did extensive research and have decided not to take either flu shot.
I am basing my decision on several different factors... I urge every pregnant women to do their own research and make their own decision!!!
Something I would like to share is that, based on my research I have decided to take extra Vitamin D. I am also giving extra vitamin D to my kids.
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| much2say (722) | 2 months ago | I am at 36 weeks, so we're pretty close! Thank you for sharing your experience with the doctor/NP and what you came up with on your research. I have not yet seen one doctor that has said anything different other than I should take the vaccine. But as you said, there is no guarantee, and that's always in the back of my mind too. It's really hard to determine what is best . . . especially when most of the medical world is for the flu shot. Well, I will continue to research and get other opinions . . . I'll have to look up Vitamin D, too. Thanks for your input!!! | |
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| 4. marcelinka (84) | 2 months ago | when i was pregnant i didn`t get it... i didn`t want to give to my bodie something that could affect to my baby... and anyway i did`t share with many people at that time... i spend my days at home and with my family... when i was going to the doctor i ussually ask for the first time avalaible... so in that way i didn`t have contact with other people who might be sick... acctually i still do it with my baby... when i take her to the pediatrician i ask for the first hour available... at that time there are no other kids arround... or may be one or two... no more.
don`t worry about the flu too much, its allready gome form here (south america) but i was not that big, just try not to be in closed places, or places were the flu might be (hospitals, schools) wash ur hand often and when u snize cover ur mouth with ur arm, not hand... best luck to u... | |
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| much2say (722) | 2 months ago | That's a great idea - getting the first hour for your appointments! I go in as early as possible too . . . but then I worry about sitting on the waiting room furniture or touching any magazines, etc. Apparently the flu shot is airborn and it can be passed anywhere at anytime. We all try to wash our hands often as much as possible . . . especially if we go to public places. Yah, putting a vaccine in my body where it could effect the baby really scares me . . . I am just not 100% convinced yet about a flu shot. | |
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| 5. lindiebiz (804) | 2 months ago | Since your doctor asked you to take the shot it is in your best interest to take the shot. You are in the high risk category so you should take it | |
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| much2say (722) | 2 months ago | Well, all the doctors are saying I should take it . . . even my dieticians are telling me. But they all work for the same hospital - and of course they are going to tell me this. And I do realize I am in the high risk category, still something makes me hesitate. I'm still up in the air about any flu shot. | |
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| 6. dongzheng20032002 (6) | 2 months ago | i think you must get suggestion from doctor.that is very important. | |
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| much2say (722) | 2 months ago | Well, I think making the best, informed choice is most important for me and my baby. Just because a doctor suggests it doesn't mean it's the best advice - even they don't have all the right answers. And all doctors will say that I should get the flu shot - that's just what they're supposed to do. | |
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| 7. nolissalim (151) | 2 months ago |  Hi! Was it Swine flu vaccine or just a regular flu shot that will be given to you? I read in the news that Swine flu vaccines are recommended for pregnant women since they have higher chance in getting this flu at this stage. Last year, we were given free regular flu vaccines at work. I was 3 months pregnant that time. When I went to the clinic to get a shot, the doctor told me that it is not advisable to get a flu shot during pregnancy. You might want to get a second opinion from another OB. Just my two cents.=)
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| much2say (722) | 2 months ago | Well, I can get both the swine flu and/or the seasonal flu vaccine. I can get either as I am pregnant - and I can get them at my appointments instead of waiting in line at a clinic. I would love to hear the opinion of a doctor who thinks it's not advisable - just to hear that side of things. But seems everyone at the hospital I've talked to is siding with getting the shot (afterall, they work there and they've all gotten the shot). It's such a tough decision to make! | |
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| 8. kjess77 (39) | 1 month ago |  I am a soon to be mom who is 19 weeks pregnant. I chose to get the H1N1 vaccine even though I am literally phobic of needles and putting drugs into my body because I wanted to ensure the health of my child and myself. I heard from my doctor a scary statistic that 1 in 3 pregnant women who get the swine flu end up in the hospital! Because the drug is almost identically made like the the regular flu vaccine, it is safe. There are very very very few people who would have a reaction to it (but they are the same people who would have that reaction to the tried and true seasonal flu vaccine). I felt that a 1 in 3 chance was much greater than a 1 in a million chance.
Also, they do not allow pregnant women to get the nasal spray, but I just wanted to say that I would NOT recommend getting that personally because unlike the shot which has a dead version of the H1N1 in it, the nasal spray has a weakened version of the disease. Very few people can actually contract the disease from taking the nasal spray.
For your babies sake I would say "Get the vaccine" because studies show that it will probably make your baby immune to the flu when born... which means that if you or anyone around your baby has the flu... the baby has a high likelyhood of contracting and dieing from it. Also, if you are due soon, it is imperative that you get it ASAP because 90% of women give birth before or after their due date!
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| much2say (722) | 1 month ago | Thank you for all your info!! The thing is, since I started this discussion, I was induced and had the baby before I even got to think about it again! Also since then, I had one midwife tell me it's 50/50 for the risks, whether I choose to have the shot or not. I couldn't believe she was the only one in the doctors' office who said it was a choice. Even if I had gotten the flu shot, I would not have had the 2 weeks in order for it to kick in to my system or the baby's. But yes, the statistics are rather scary. Thus far we are sick free . . . so we're taking all the precautions we can to stay this way. Thank you for taking the time to give your advice though!! | |
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| | STAT Pharmaceuticals - Medical Supplies STAT Pharmaceuticals distributes flu vaccine, brand and generic drugs and medical office supplies to licensed facilities, especially office-based physicians. Register and save today. www.fluvaccine.com
| Urgent& Family Care at Avery Ranch Minor emergencies and illnesses, flu-shots, family care, extended hours, 8a-8p 7days/wk. www.austinurgentcare.com
| Flu Vaccine Prevent the Flu this Year! Vaccine Locator& Information Guide www.healthpreventions.info
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