SO TORN... flu shot or no flu shot?

so the doc offered me the flu shot when I was there for my 26wks appt, and I turned him down (which he didn't appreciate). Well, after reading some posts here, I decided to make my appt for it and it's tomorrow.

BUT.. the first and only time I got the shot, I end up with the WORST flu ever. I have never had the flu before and never want to have it again.
I know it was a horrible coincident, but what if it happens again?

ugh, what should a preggo girl do?

Re: SO TORN... flu shot or no flu shot?

I am 20 weeks preggo and am not getting the flu shot.

Re: SO TORN... flu shot or no flu shot?

I didnt get it. My friend gets it every year and every year she is sick as a dog. No thanks.

Re: SO TORN... flu shot or no flu shot?

im 36 + weeks and my dr. has not offered me the flu shot nor do I have any interest in getting it!

Re: SO TORN... flu shot or no flu shot?

I was in the same situation a few weeks ago and posted about it. I declined as well but then was second guessing myself. I am sticking with my original plan though and not getting it. I am just figuring that I never got the flu shot before and I've never had the flu either.

Re: SO TORN... flu shot or no flu shot?

I don;t usually get a flu shot-- and my doc offered me the shot the last time I was there so I got it. Aside from my arm hurting for a few days after-- I had no side effects.

Re: SO TORN... flu shot or no flu shot?

I'm 26 weeks also and declined. I've never gotten it before and so far ::knock on wood:: have never gotten the flu. I realize this is just luck, but I'm going with the old adage, "if it ain't broke don't fix it" and just hoping it all works out in the end.

Re: SO TORN... flu shot or no flu shot?

You can't get the flu from the flu shot. I got it. My doctor said it is recommended by the CDC because whatever minor side effects and much less serious than getting the flu while PG, which often leads to hospitalization due to dehydration.

Re: SO TORN... flu shot or no flu shot?

MY personal opinion
GET IT

I have NEVER gotten it before but everyone that I've spokent to, and even on the news has said if you are pregnant, it is IMPERATIVE to protect yourself.

G-d forbid you get it while pregnant, it will be much worse for both of you.

Re: SO TORN... flu shot or no flu shot?

You cant get the flu from a flu shot its not a live vaccine. Plus they have preservative free flu shots, which is what i got. The risks of getting the flu are worse then the side effect of the flu shot. If you get sick after it, it wasnt from the shot.

I am around the flu popuation every day. Children. Im a peds ICU nurse so i cant risk it.

Message edited 11/14/2008 10:24:16 AM.

Re: SO TORN... flu shot or no flu shot?

I am 22 weeks(about) and i got it @ work. I did get the Fluzone, which is thimerosol free.. I didn't get one last year and go the flu!! So i figured better safe...

Re: SO TORN... flu shot or no flu shot?

I have never gotten it before, and I was planning to b/c I thought I "had" to being PG, but when I asked
My OBGYN's words were (smirk) "the CDC suggests ALL pregnant women get a flu shot. - I am not big on flu shots"

I didn't get it.

ETA: I don't work in a hospital, w/ sick people, or w/ kids -
I commute into the city and sit in my office all day ........so that was a factor for me as well -

Message edited 11/14/2008 10:42:14 AM.

Re: SO TORN... flu shot or no flu shot?

My OB STRONGLY suggests it, so I am getting it Monday (I'm 21 weeks)

Re: SO TORN... flu shot or no flu shot?

I will be getting it but I have to wait until my 2nd tri that is what they told me!

Re: SO TORN... flu shot or no flu shot?

I'm just about 28 weeks, I'm not getting it, and my Dr. has not offered it to me.

Re: SO TORN... flu shot or no flu shot?

my OB strongly suggested it so I got it on Monday and had no issues

this was my first time getting it, I didn't think I needed it since I work from home but having a baby in Jan I just didn't want to take any chances,

you only need to come in contact with 1 person that has it

good luck!

Re: SO TORN... flu shot or no flu shot?

I got a preservative-free flu shot at my doctor's office. I've gotten a flu shot every year since I had a bad case of the flu in college. The only side effect I've ever had was a sore arm.

Since is due during flu season and the immunity can be passed onto the baby, I felt it was important to get the shot. Also, I wanted to protect myself from the flu as much as possible since pregnancy weakens a woman's immune system and pregnant women are more at risk of having complications from the flu. For me, the benefits far outweighed any risks.

Re: SO TORN... flu shot or no flu shot?

I work in a school and I am around lots of sick kids. I had the flu shot this week for the first time in my life because I did not want to risk getting it this winter. I made sure it was a thimerisol free shot and felt comfortable doing it.

Re: SO TORN... flu shot or no flu shot?

I got the flu shot, i actually felt better this year after getting then last year. I was acutally able to move my arm. MY OB strongly suggested it as well, im not sure if he would have taken no for an answer. You will be fine i got my at 22 weeks.

Re: SO TORN... flu shot or no flu shot?

I am 22wks and just got my flu shot on wedneday. I get it every year, so I figured why should this year be any different - and I have had 2 colds already which were miserable...I do NOT want to get the flu!

Re: SO TORN... flu shot or no flu shot?

I am 22 weeks and i am not getting it my is against it b/c of the murcury in the shot.

Re: SO TORN... flu shot or no flu shot?

i got it at about 28 weeks
I am not so sure it matters where you work; though I do work in a school

My parents are retired and they get it; I mean, you still go to stores and are in contact with people - especially on the train

Also, My dr. said anyone giving birth between November and March should definitely get it

Re: SO TORN... flu shot or no flu shot?

Re: SO TORN... flu shot or no flu shot?

M doc gave it to me at 16 weeks. I didn't get sick at all. (but I usully dont from it)

Re: SO TORN... flu shot or no flu shot?

I never get the flu shot, and was not gong to get one while I was PG.