Flu Shot While Pregnant

Updated on October 13, 2010
S.J. asks from Cherryville, MO
19 answers

Opinions on getting or not getting a flu shot while preggers?

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J.G.

answers from Springfield on

Get it. There is no down side. This year's shot contains the H1N1 strand. Some say it hasn't been around long enough to know it's safe, but that's a misconception. Last year's shot was another flu shot. The process of making it was the same. The strands of the flu shot vary each year, but the process is the same. It is perfectly safe for you and baby!

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V.D.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I got a flu shot when I was pregnant. My doctor recommended I did because my baby was due in december and the shot would go to the baby too.

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T.C.

answers from Colorado Springs on

Hi S.,
I think it is very dangerous to get the flu shot while pregnant. Your baby is developing neurologically in utero. They don't really know the effects of vaccinations on a developing baby. In many countries, they are now banning the flu shot for children under the age of 9 because of the damage they are doing. I would say that a forming baby falls under that category.

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J.B.

answers from Atlanta on

I got it both times I was pregnant and everything is fine!

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H.B.

answers from Waterloo on

most doctors will tell you to get a flu shot, and an H1N1 shot, but i refused both. my problem with the h1n1 shot is it hasnt been around long enough for me to feel safe getting it. if you've ever taken any sort of inservice or class on communicable diseases, such as the flu- the instructor will always tell you the number 1 way to not contract such diseases is to wash your hands, avoid people who are sick, eat right, and get plenty of rest. :D

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C.M.

answers from Dallas on

I did. No problems here. But agree with rest that I would do what your Dr. recommends.

(:

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I.T.

answers from Los Angeles on

everybody has different opinion and experience, everybody is unique, i didnt get during pregnancy and i was not sick and not my baby. my friend got her H1N1 and flu shots while pregnant and her son at age 9 months was already twice sick, has rash,.......
i think it will be different for you also.
try to stay away from sick people, eat healthy, boost your immune system and you will be fine without shots.
but if you will get them you still may get sick, so its up to you.
good luck

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D.C.

answers from Dallas on

Didn't get it with my first and I was working with pediatric asthma patients at the time. Not getting it this time either. But I tend to have a really strong immune system so I'm not worried about it. Good luck with whichever you choose!

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B.H.

answers from Tallahassee on

I got it both times while I was pregant. I also got the H1H1.

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M.U.

answers from Tampa on

I never got flu shots until I was pregnant. I would recommend it rather than risk getting sick during your pregnancy. But I would recommend you get one without the themarisol - that gave me additional peace of mind. You may need to call around different pharmacies, some of them do carry it (don't wait, they may run out). Good luck with the rest of the pregnancy, hope you stay healthy!

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B.B.

answers from Missoula on

I am 17 weeks pregnant and got my flu shot about a month ago. By getting it while you are pregnant you will pass some of your antibodies to your baby and he/she will be protected after birth, when she/he is too young to get a vaccine. I got one while I was pregnant with my first son also. My whole family will get vaccinated, as I want to decrease the risk of my newborn contracting the flu as it can be quite dangerous for infants. The CDC recommends flu shots for all pregnant women.

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J.G.

answers from San Antonio on

I did not get it when pregnant. And I was a 5th grade teacher thru my whole pregnancy. Wash your hands often and you will be fine.

Would you get the shot if you were NOT pregnant? If your answer is no, then I would not get it when pregnant either.

But we are a family of non-flu shots. We did not get the H1N1 either, nor do we plan on it.

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M.!.

answers from Columbus on

I chose to get the flu shot b/c I have two other children that are involved in school and sports and felt like they would be potentially bringing home germs and felt it was my responsability to protect my baby now while pregnant so when he/she is born she would be protected through my immunization.

Goo dluck!

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J.O.

answers from Detroit on

I know a woman who did NOT get the shot. She got H1N1 and her baby inside her died.
I am pregnant and just got the shot. There was no mercury in it, even.

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J.P.

answers from Boise on

Yes!! There can be complications if you get the flu while pregnant, one being severe dehydration. Also, depending when your baby is due, you can pass those antibodies on because they can't have it till they are 6 months.

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S.H.

answers from New York on

I didn't get the flu shot with either of my babies. I got really sick with my son because I was still working and wish I had gotten the shot. By the time I had my daughter I was staying home and was a little better about staying out of situations where I could pick up the flu. I think it depends on how much you come into contact with people who can pass it on and of course what your OB/GYN says.

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C.K.

answers from Dallas on

I didn't get it with either one of my pregnancies. I wasn't sure if it would hurt my babies or have some long term effect on them. I still will not allow either one of my girls to get one now at 16 and 4 months. There have been alot of studies done on even the "normal" vacinations for infants and children about how safe they are and the long term effects. I still got them though! Just be carefull with your decision and remember no one knows whats best for you like you!

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M.R.

answers from Columbus on

Ask your OB for thier opinion of you getting the flu while preggers. That should be enough to convince you that getting a shot is the best thing you can do for yourself, your unborn baby, and the people you may spread this virus to before you even know that you are a danger to them. People die from the flu every year, and the flu stinks.

M.

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J.P.

answers from Austin on

Didn't get one with my first and will not be getting one with my second... 32 weeks and counting...however, as mentioned before, I have a great immune system so I'm not worried.

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