The shot or not?
My husband and I agree on most things. But we don't see eye-to-eye on everything.
Our taste buds are incompatible. Some of his favorite foods make me gag: red meat, seafood, pastries. He also thinks some of my favorites are gross: peanut butter, bananas, candy corn <--- I know. He has bad taste…
We vote for different political parties. We only strongly disagree on one issue, and respect each other's opinions on the other ones, so this isn't that big of a deal for us.
I have a traditional health background, he has an alternative medicine background. I went to grad school for public health, he's a chiropractor. We both believe a combination of traditional + alternative medicine is best, so this is rarely an issue. Except when it comes to vaccines. I believe immunizations (and pasteurization) are some of the best inventions ever; they've greatly improved the quality and quantity of our years. My husband does not think all vaccines are necessary. We are going to immunize our child, and he will get all the recommended vaccines by age 2, but we're going to spread them out a little more than suggested.
There's one vaccine we can't come to a compromise on though: the flu shot for me during pregnancy.
(source)
I want it because:
- It's recommended by my former employer, the Centers for Disease Control (source).
- The flu kills thousands of people each year. Those at highest risk for complications include the elderly, young children, and people with weakened immune systems such as pregnant women (source).
- Getting the flu shot during pregnancy may protect the baby after he's born. One study found that babies born to moms who were vaccinated against the flu were 48% less likely to need hospitalization for flu problems (source). Babies cannot be vaccinated until they're six months old, so my vaccination could protect him.
- I'm due in December and flu season typically runs October through May (source). The flu may cause more complications the further along you are in pregnancy. Women who are 37-42 weeks pregnant when they get the flu are 5 times more likely to be hospitalized with heart or lung problems than postpartum women (source).
- Pregnancy is rough enough on my body as it is. I feel like crap every day. I could not imagine getting really sick now. If there's even a slight chance the flu shot can prevent that, I'm all for it.
My husband doesn't want me to get the flu shot because:
(source)
- It takes about a year to make the flu vaccine (source). This means the strain used in the vaccine may offer no protection against this year's flu virus. So you could get the flu even if you've had a flu shot. <--- I agree, but think it's worth it anyway.
- I don't always get a flu shot. The years I have gotten vaccinated, my husband swears I've been sick afterwards. I don't remember, but the flu shot is made with an inactive virus so it shouldn't make you sick (source). Note, the nasal-spray flu vaccine is made using a weakened flu virus, and is not safe for pregnant women (source).
- No vaccine is 100% safe. <--- I agree.
I don't know what to do. I want to get the flu shot, but I also want my husband's support since his baby will be affected.
We need your help. You guys have been so helpful before (check out the comments on the registry post) that we hope you can guide us in making a decision. What would you do? Share any info you may have! Thanks 
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September 19th, 2011 - 06:38
I laugh because my husband and I are having this debate and we should settled it based on the doctors who said we should both get it. I always get it, he never does. I think it is really important to do. I don’t know, sorry nothing soo scientific. But I think you are right on. unfortunately i think my husband would side with yours, c’est la vie lol.
September 19th, 2011 - 06:45
I have NEVER gotten the flu shot. My mom got deathly ill (as did two of her co-workers who got the shot on the same day) from the flu shot. So, I have decided not to get the flu shot during pregnancy. My doctors didn’t push me one way or the other, just offered the information and told me to make a decision!
Definitely a very personal decision! Good Luck!
September 19th, 2011 - 06:52
i tend to be more of an alternative medicine person too so I’m totally with your husband. BUT understand your fears. I’d be more prone to upping my intake of Vit D (eg 2-5000+IU a day), C and other immunity factors to strengthen my immune system than getting a shot…I refuse to get a flu shot – and I (touch wood) have never had the flu. My friends get the shot…and are still often sick later. I believe part comes from mental override too – if I ever do get a scratch in my throat I head straight for the garlic, Vit C and D, take it easy for a day or two, up my vitamins, and insist to myself I am healthy…seems to work
!! Best wishes with your decision though…
September 19th, 2011 - 07:00
I don’t usually get the flu shot either, but when I was preggo with my little guy I did get it since the docs were recommending it. I didn’t have any side effects because of it, but I still don’t get them to this day. It is all personal preference.
September 19th, 2011 - 07:03
i cannot imagine NOT getting the flu shot. i don’t want to inflame your husband but it’s a guideline there for a reason just like not eating sketchy hot dogs or going skydiving while pregnant! and since i have seen VERY ill young babies with flu (ie: intubated, in the intensive care unit, etc) i think doing anything to possibly prevent that is worth it.
and the inactivated flu vaccine should not make you sick! i could see how perhaps some fatigue from a revved up immune system, but you should not get any true ‘flu’ symptoms with it. (and your’e right that is only true for the inactive injection, not the fluMist which cannot be given to immunosuppressed).
and, as a pediatrician i also have to put in a plug for the vaccines. i think it’s fine to do the ‘stretched out’ schedule, and certain ones (like Hep B, Hep A) are not as critical in a young child. but getting the TDaPs on time and the MMR + varicella are really important. but your plan to have them all in by 2 sounds reasonable!
September 19th, 2011 - 07:04
although: no study has EVER shown the autism link to be true, if that’s what you’re worried about. even jenny mccarthy’s own child was later found to have some sort of genetic condition . . .
okay, off my soapbox. i’m trying not to say all this but i just can’t help it!
September 19th, 2011 - 07:04
I have gotten one every year since I was 13. I think maybe one or two years I have felt a little under the weather after, but not for more than a day or two. In recent memory, I haven’t gotten sick after. As a healthcare worker the past few years, I’m required to get one. I would still get them, though, as I’d rather be safe than sorry. But, that’s just me!
September 19th, 2011 - 07:05
I was totally anti flu shot for many years because I was worried I’d feel crappy from the shot. I got it for the first time last year (because I was planning to visit my grandfather, who was in his 90s and not in great health so it was recommended that the entire family get shots), felt kind of sick for a day or two afterwards, and then had a really healthy winter. I will probably be getting it again this year because overall I think it made me feel better. I’ve also read that getting the shot doesn’t necessarily prevent you from getting the flu, but can mean you get a milder case of it.
September 19th, 2011 - 07:05
This is a tough one. I opted out of getting the flu shot at my first prenatal appointment. I have never had one and it makes me nervous. The husband agreed with me and said that since I’m not working, I won’t be as exposed to people with the flu. If I was still commuting into Manhattan everyday, I probably would have gotten one. My doctor had no problem with me rejecting the shot because he agreed that being at home most of the day kept me at low risk. Good luck in your decision
September 19th, 2011 - 07:09
My son was born in December and I didn’t get the flu shot. I quit working two weeks before his due date and no one in our house got sick. We didn’t do any traveling that year for Christmas and stayed home a lot for the first 3 months.
September 19th, 2011 - 07:12
I think that if you are worried about getting the flu, you should get the shot. Have you gotten it before? Did it cause any adverse effects?
I also find it quite interesting that you and your husband vote for different political parties!
September 19th, 2011 - 07:23
I am 100% pro public health / traditional MD medicine and have been vaccinated for everything and plan to vaccinate my kids.
However, since I never had the flu before I turned 18, I stopped getting the flu shot after that and I still haven’t gotten the flu.. I’m sure a medical professional can weigh in on whether I should or not but I just don’t think it’s worth it for me personally!
September 19th, 2011 - 07:31
I think if it gives you peace of mind you should get it.
I also agree with sarah (the SHU box) above, and she put it miles better than I ever could, so what she said…
September 19th, 2011 - 07:45
The worry and stress you are likely to experience from not getting the vaccine (or getting the flu) has the potential to do more harm to you and baby than the possible side effects if the vaccine. If you don’t then I would recommend that your husband (though this seems unlikely given his stance on you receiving it) and anyone you come in close frequent contact with should get the shot to decrease your likelihood of contracting the flu from them. Either way wash your hands frequently, be mindful of not touching your face/mouth/eyes, and keep living healthy.
September 19th, 2011 - 07:59
From a health perspective I usually fall right in the middle of traditional & alternative. My mom is a nurse practitioner but I’ve used chiropractors and other alternative medicines with much success over the years. That being said, I think the flu shot is worth it. Personally, I think the pros outweigh the cons. Your husband is right in that of course it doesn’t protect against all strains, but what if it does protect you against the strain you come in contact with? Seems worth it to me. Since I have asthma, I get the flu shot every year b/c the flu would affect me worse than the average person and I can say I’ve felt “off” only a handful of times after the shot. I think that feeling definitely trumps the actual flu!
So my opinon: go for it
September 19th, 2011 - 08:12
I really enjoy your blog, and am constantly amazed by how many parallels there seem to be between us, both generally and in our daily lives. I am almost 27 weeks pregnant, due December 24th, an avid runner who finds it hard to imagine giving the sport up but appreciates every day I am still able to run (ok, so I’m not *quite* as fast as you :-p), and I have a mild obsession with my woofy
September 19th, 2011 - 08:15
I’ve never gotten a flu shot before, but I am this year. Last year I got two different strains of flu within a month of each other in January. Even if I am little sick from the vaccine, it’s got to be better than that!
September 19th, 2011 - 08:18
I’m just about 36 weeks pregnant and will be getting my flu shot at the end of the week. I wasn’t planning on getting it- I have received the shot once before and I felt like it basically gave me the flu so I found it to be not worth it. However, we selected and met with our pediatrician last week and she really educated me on the importance of getting the flu shot now, while still pregnant. I’m due October 20, right before the start of the heavy flu season. While I’ve been incredibly healthy this pregnancy (I swear she gives me immunity- no colds or even allergies, which is highly unlike me), I’ve gotten the flu in the past and would hate to catch and pass it on to her.
I’m not completely well-versed in how the vaccine passes immunization to the baby, but the doctor did mention that.
What are your thoughts on the pertussis vaccine? The commercial is so scary! Again, I didn’t think I was going to get it but after speaking with the pediatrician I’ll be getting that shot as well.
September 19th, 2011 - 08:30
I’m all for the pertussis vaccine. The flu shot is honestly the only one we disagree on.
September 19th, 2011 - 09:27
i work in public health too- right next door to the immunizations department! i would not hesitate to get the flu shot, especially during pregnancy. one of the strains in this year’s vaccine is h1n1 which proved deadly to some pregnant women during the 2009-2010 flu season. not getting the shot is not worth that risk. when people tell me they are hesitant to get the flu shot, i always ask- would you be hesitant to get the MMR vaccine? hardly anyone ever is because they see those as “real” diseases, but then why not get the flu shot if the flu can hospitalize or kill you? it’s a real virus.
September 19th, 2011 - 08:19
oops premature post sorry.
…a mild obsession with my woofy four-legged baby.
Anyway, to get to the point, this morning I had just come from having my flu shot literally 3 minutes before, when I decided to look at your blog and saw your post, so I couldn’t help but laugh. I never usually get the shot, mostly because I keep hearing about it making people sick, but after weighing up the pros and cons decided I couldn’t really afford not to this year. The possibility that my baby might be protected from the flu for 6 months is a BIG plus in my book. I agree with previous posters that it is a very personal decision. However I also think that the way you have your arguments and your husband’s laid out, yours look far more convincing. Just my opinion
September 19th, 2011 - 08:21
As long as you’ve had the shot before and you know you tolerate it well, I’d DEFINITELY get the preservative-free one now that the flu season is starting. If you don’t get the shot and by chance one of the strains they predicted becomes epidemic and you get it, you’d have to be in isolation in the hospital. And depending on how exposure timing correlates with labor and delivery, you and/or baby might have to take Tamiflu.
I’m a NICU nurse and it’s amazing the danger something as “simple” as the flu can create for a growing baby. One ‘non-natural’ ounce of prevention (the shot) is a worth a pound of cure (aka riskier, more expensive, more invasive treatment for your baby later).
Finally, you may be at low risk at home but since you husband has the potential to be around sick people coming in for treatments to make them feel better, breathe better, etc he is actually more likely to bring those germs home to you than someone who works in a cubicle all day.
Good luck with this decision. Just because you get the shot doesn’t mean you’re making him get it, too.
September 19th, 2011 - 08:25
Personally I am getting the flu shot, I am due in February, and work in an office where there are always people coming in and out plus the ladies I work with seem to catch everything. On top of that my husband is a teacher! Interestingly enough I have never had the flu, and have gone the past few years without a shot. A few summers ago I was running a summer camp in Parks and Rec and staff and kids were getting the swine flu all around me, then my husband got it. According to the doc I am immune, but I still am not taking any chances!
Good luck making your decision!
September 19th, 2011 - 08:36
I didn’t get the flu vaccine for years since the year I was working at a hospital and had to be innoculated, I developed cervical dystonia. One neurologist suggested that there could be a connection. After numerous bouts of flu, I decided it’s better to avoid the misery of flu and have since opted for the vaccination with no ill effects, especially not to my neck. From what I understand, the strain of flu this year is the same as last year’s, so there is some question of whether another vaccination this year is necessary. But, I was vaccinated last year in January, and am just getting over the flu, so who knows if it’s the same strain. Sick all last week. It was the pits. I vote for vaccination. It’s too important for you and baby to be well.
September 19th, 2011 - 08:49
I agree with your husband. I’m a 7th grade teacher and I NEVER get the flu shot. I make sure my body is getting the proper nutrition because I believe that when your body isn’t getting optimal nutrition, your immune system can’t put up a fight.
September 19th, 2011 - 09:00
I never got the flu shot for the same reasons your husband listed… Until I got pregnant. My doctor was able to show me enough research about how getting it would not only protect me, but Hailey would develop the same antibodies I did – and anything that helps protect her is worth it! And especially entering into flu season, like you said.
September 19th, 2011 - 09:15
What a timely post! I just went to my employer’s health clinic an hour ago to get my flu shot (today was the first day they are offering flu shots) and they declined me because I’m 22 weeks pregnant! Well, they didn’t decline me, but they told me I had to come back with a note from my doctor saying it was recommended for me. Sigh. Now I’m starting to question whether it’s necessary/recommended? Appreciating all the input from everyone in the comments!
September 19th, 2011 - 09:26
I had the flu shot in 2004, when I was pregnant with my son. Knowing what I know now, I probably would not get it again. Within 48 hours I became ill, had fever blisters all over my lips, and went into premature labor. After a hospital stay, steroid shots, & a week of bedrest, my son was born at 33 weeks. I’ll never know for sure it was related to the shot, but it wouldn’t be a risk I would take again. One thing I should note: I hadn’t had the vaccine before to know how my body would react.
September 19th, 2011 - 09:36
I was anti-flu shot before I got pregnant. Never got one, never got the flu. However, once I got pregnant my mindset changed a little. I was also pregnant the fall of the whole H1N1 debacle. I ended up going with my doctor’s recco of getting both the flu shot and H1N1 shot that year. In my mind, I just couldn’t tell myself I’d be able to cope with the consequences if I did get a horrible case of the flu. I decided I wasn’t deciding on the flu shot for me anymore, but also for the baby. I got the shots, never got the flu and all worked out. And now that we have a wee one in the house we will get the flu shot for the next several years as well.
September 19th, 2011 - 09:44
This one is hard because I would never in a million years get the flu shot. I haven’t got the flu since I was 7ish and I”m 31 so that’s a pretty good record. And I have heard from about 9 out of 10 people that they feel crappy after getting it and about half of them even still get the flu. I guess I wouldn’t risk it…
September 19th, 2011 - 09:51
I think you should get the shot. With a baby born in December, during the peak of flu season, the immunity that you pass on to him will be so beneficial. It would be even better if your husband got the shot as well, especially since he is a healthcare provider and could come into contact with people with the flu (you don’t want him to bring it home to both of you!). I have never gotten a flu shot before (I figure I’m young and healthy, and should save them for the folks who really need them). But it’s important to me to do it now that I’m pregnant, and my husband is getting one as well.
I honestly don’t believe that anyone actually gets “sick” after getting a flu vaccine either. For one thing, it’s cold and flu season, and some people could have already had something brewing before they got the shot and they just happened to show symptoms afterward.
I’m a PhD in Pharmacology/Toxicology with a lot of immunology experience, so I’ve read a lot about the benefits of the flu vaccine and I have a lot of faith in the pharmaceutical industry, so this may just be my personal bias. In general I avoid medication unless absolutely necessary, so I do believe in a balanced approach to health care but this is one thing I think is necessary.
September 19th, 2011 - 10:01
I will absolutely be getting the flu shot, this year more than ever (and I work in health care so I hear about it ALL the time). Sometimes people get sick after a flu shot, but it’s not the flu and it’s not dangerous for your baby like the flu could be. It’s recommended by CDC and ACOG for pregnancy, and yes vaccines have a risk, but in this case, I think it outweighs the risk of actually having the flu while pregnant. Just make sure it’s the shot not the inhalable – that’s live virus.
September 19th, 2011 - 10:11
I will preface this stating that I am against vaccinations in general. I don’t believe that bypassing the body’s natural immune response (ie injecting what I believe are toxins directly into the body) is ever a good thing.
It seems very contradictory that medical professionals will recommend the flu vaccine to pregnant mothers and yet tell those same mother’s to wait until their child is 6 months old to give them the same vaccine. Wouldn’t it be a safe assumption to say that the original vaccine is passed from the mother to the unborn baby?
While I’m sure there are many women out there who had the flu vaccine w/o any noticeable side effects, I know of two pregnant women (acquaintance/friends) that had detrimental side effects which have NO other explanation other than the flu shots they received 4 and 6 days prior.
I also do NOT trust pharmaceutical companies but that’s another long comment.
Unless you are 100% confident with GETTING the vaccine, I would wait until you are…
Vaccinations are a very sensitive subject and I am sure this is quite the challenge for you and your husband. It is no doubt that your son is VERY(!) much loved and that whatever decision you decide upon is one that you’ve placed very extreme consideration in. Best of luck to both of you!
September 20th, 2011 - 15:46
Had to add this link (a day later…): http://vaxtruth.org/2011/09/the-flu-vaccine-what-your-doctor-wont-tell-you-or-probably-doesnt-even-know/
September 19th, 2011 - 10:21
Humm, this is tough. I would go with something that YOU are comfortable with because it is your body. But I only got the flu shot once for a job, but I was fine during H1N1, and I was worried because I was in college with germy people near me!
I drink a lot of green tea
September 19th, 2011 - 10:31
Oooh – I’ve never thought about what I’ll do when I (hopefully someday) get pregnant. I haven’t gotten the shot in 3-4 years because I got sick when I DID get it in the past! But knowing that having the Flu shot can decrease the risk of illness while pregnant and/or offer more protection for the baby makes me think otherwise.
I’m interested to see what you decide!
September 19th, 2011 - 10:32
I was pregnant November – July and I did not get a flu shot. I agree with your husband, it’s not 100% safe and it’s not protecting against this years strain. Also, out parents didn’t have the flu shot when we were in utero. I feel like the big push is because of pharmaceutical companies making money, not just safety against infection. My husband works in the city and takes public transportation and I’m a SAHM, so he will probably get the flu shot this year but I won’t. I clean every day and we are very good about washing hands as soon as we or visitors come in the door.
September 19th, 2011 - 10:34
If only the 2 sides would work more often together, I love when I find a doc that does. My brother is a D.O. neurosurgeon and trained in chiropractic care as well. I’m a middle ground person and love modern medicine for a lot of reasons and love holistic medicine as well. I’ve worked in physical therapy, cardiac rehab, had my own neck injury and was really thankful for BOTH chiropractic and physical therapy work . My field requires me to connect with both sides (OBGYN’s, physical therapy and chiro) I just connected with a well known LA Pre/Post-Natal Chiro that is respected by OBGYNS in his area for his ability to help Pre/Post Natal women go symptom free through pregnancy and help open up the pelvis for women who have breeched babies so they can have a vaginal delivery.
I think the flu shot decision is tough, but I don’t think there is much risk in getting it, with some added protection for baby. Especially if you handled it well in the past. Either way, whatever decision you two can decide on will be the right one
September 19th, 2011 - 10:37
It is definitely a tough decision and my husband and I went through the same thing last year. I wasn’t one to get a flu shot in the past, but did get one last year, more for Riley than myself. Neither of us got the flu… was it because we got the shot? Who knows. But, we didn’t get sick.
I hope you are your hubby can come to an agreement with ease. It sounds like you’re a great team, so I am sure you’ll figure it out.
September 19th, 2011 - 10:40
One thing to consider (that I think is an important factor to consider) is whether or not your child will spend time in day care. My niece and nephew have and it seems like they get sick (maybe not the flu, but colds, etc) more frequently than children I know that stay at home.
Who knows- just one more thing to consider.
September 19th, 2011 - 10:38
I’m biased, obviously, but I would get it in your shoes. I also have gotten a shot every year since I was in college. I only ever had one bad flu, which was when I worked in a hospital that was treating H1N1. If you dont think you’re going to be in settings where it could be passed around (work, public transportation, lots of kids) you probably wont need it but always better to be safe!
September 19th, 2011 - 11:07
I am a mixed bag, belief wise. I work for a hospital, but tend to prefer alternative approaches for me (although I am a fan of many of the advances of western medicine). However, I once actually got the flu. I almost died. (That is not hyperbole.) Since then, I have gotten the flu shot every year. And a couple times, I’ve gotten sick after – BUT it was a little sick, and not “the flu” sick. The flu (as I’m sure you know) is not what a lot of people think of when they think the flu. Influenza is a respiratory disease that can affect every muscle group – and that’s what almost killed me; it started affecting my heart. I was 16 and ridiculously healthy at that point; I can’t imagine dealing with it now (as I’m 34 and 12 wks pregnant).
So – I would do it, absolutely. There are no guarantees in life, of course, but I think the risks of NOT outweigh the risks of doing it.
September 19th, 2011 - 11:08
I was pretty anit-flu shot, but now I get it. I actually didn’t get it while I was preggo, but I got it afterwards so some of the immunity would pass through my breastmilk and also so I wouldn’t get sick. I was anti-flu shot because I knew a lot of people who got sick after getting it. I did not, so I figure why not. Kaiser gives them to us for free, so next time I’m there I will get mine. I’m sure my son will get his at his next appointment as well. DH does not believe in them so he won’t get one, but he is not against me getting one.
September 19th, 2011 - 11:21
I don’t think my answer to this will be any surprise to you. And maybe I don’t have a valid say because I am not pregnant, nor have I ever been pregnant. But from a public health perspective – I would get the shot.
I understand that there is concern in this country about how we seem to over-vaccinate and over-medicate. And I know that pills/shots are not always the answer. However, in this situation, there is no real downside to getting the shot. You have the opportunity to PREVENT something from happening, and prevention is always the way to go. Yes, there’s a chance that you won’t get sick even without the shot. But if it were me, it just seems like the risk of not getting it is much higher than the risk of getting vaccinated.
Anyway, I won’t get on my soap box and preach about it (though I really agree with Sarah (the SHU box) above.) I know this is a very personal decision for both you and your husband, and I know it’s a touchy issue in general…
September 19th, 2011 - 11:50
I would get the flu shot, for many of the reasons stated above. I am not a mom or mom-to-be, but I do have asthma that is affected EVERY TIME I get a cold. I get a flu shot every year so that I don’t run the risk of complications that could land me in the hospital.
September 19th, 2011 - 12:16
I think you need to go with your gut. I have never gotten a flu shot in my life (and don’t think I have had the flu for 10+ years either). I think my immune system is really strong bc I eat well and workout so I decided I didn’t want to try something new with a baby inside of me. I didn’t get sick once when I was preggo, but like I said I am not prone to getting sick at all. You know how your body has reacted before and I bet you know what the right answer is for you.
September 19th, 2011 - 12:46
I would get it…my kids never have gotten it..I just don’t believe the hype of it all….
September 19th, 2011 - 12:57
The only time I have ever gotten it was when I was pregnant. Other than that…nope. I don’t know why, but I felt like you in that I would rather play it safe then.
September 19th, 2011 - 13:15
We just talked about this in our house too. I am pregnant and checked with my doctor and she strongly suggested I get it. That’s all I needed to hear. I do it every year, and as long as it’s safe, and highly recommended for pregnant women, I’m doing it.
September 19th, 2011 - 13:19
Being pregnant compromises your immune system- you are more susceptible to the flu than others. get the shot. neither of your husband’s reasons against it have to do with the health of your baby. It is true that the shot may lead to an adverse reaction that will leave you tired for a day or two, but it is way better than having the actual flu. And there are studies showing that being vaccinated for the ‘wrong’ strain lead to less severe illness from what ever strain does go around this year.
September 19th, 2011 - 13:40
I’m 34 weeks pregnant and haven’t even thought about the flu shot! I have never gotten one. I am going to ask my doctor about it this week to see what he says. Thanks for bringing up the topic!
September 19th, 2011 - 14:19
Get the flu shot. Your baby is being born in the middle of flu season. Why risk it? I had the flu shot and the H1N1 shot last year, during my pregnancy. Everything was fine. If you know you do not have any bad reaction to the shot, why not just take the extra protection? I even got a shot for pneumonia after giving birth, as doctors determined that because I had a history of asthma, I qualified for the shot. I was completely healthy last year. And my son turns one on Friday (!) and he is getting his first flu shot on Monday! And I am super excited that he can get it, as I will do ANYTHING to make his life a little healthier. Just my opinion. I respect all the other opinions out there, though!
September 19th, 2011 - 14:45
I have never gotten the shot and have never gotten the flu (knock on wood). Its just something they want you to get to pay money for, honestly don’t get it.
September 19th, 2011 - 14:54
I’m 27 weeks and when I was at the doctor’s last week I asked her about it and she said, “Definitely, yes”. So I will be getting the shot as well as my husband – anything we can do to possibly protect our baby. Plus I cannot imagine getting the flu and being pregnant at the same time.
I’ve read that if you get the shot and then get sick it’s because you had already been exposed to the virus and were on your way to getting sick when you got the shot – not because of the shot itself.
September 19th, 2011 - 16:20
I’m usually against the flu shot as I’ve never (*knocks on wood*) gotten the flu and have been able to remain consistently healthy without the use of any drugs or medications, really. Therefore, even in pregnancy, I’m not going to get one. Just my own personal preference.
September 19th, 2011 - 16:36
I’d get the flu shot. What if you get the flu after the baby is born and pass it along to your child?
September 19th, 2011 - 17:22
When I was pregnant with our second I got the shot, but it was well-into flu season by then (I was only in first tri early flu season and my Dr wasn’t 100% confident in the safety of the shot being administered during the first tri). Instead we had my husband AND first born vaccinated at the beginning of flu season so they weren’t bringing the virus home to me.
Would that be something your husband would consider?
*we all ended up getting sick anyway, each of us spent about 36 hours with full-on flu symptoms but everyone (including #2) came out fine.
September 19th, 2011 - 17:47
Here’s a little of my background so that you know where I am coming from on this topic. I work in a nursing home (the breeding ground for flu vaccines) and my son has cystic fibrosis. These 2 categories make me (and my son) high priority for getting the flu shot. Neither of us do and we remain healthy. What we do to improve our health during the flu season is to wash our hands and then wash them again, stay away from sugary foods (including things like orange juice) which tend to weaken the immune system and also stay away from dairy products (milk does aggravate any respiratory issues with CF patients). These 3 things have kept us healthy and for my son, (who is 23) out of the hospital. this is a decision that we have to make every year and our doctors support this. Only you can make the best decision for you. Best of luck to all 3 of you!
September 19th, 2011 - 17:52
I am a nurse. Please get the flu shot. And please, please don’t let your husband talk you into not vaccinating your children. Children with weakened immune systems who cannot be immunized because their bodies cannot handle the vaccines rely on “herd immunity,” that is, the fact that everyone else will be getting the shot. If most kids get the chicken pox shot, then there won’t be anyone around to catch a case of the chicken pox that sneaks through, so no one will pass along the virus. Then the immunocompromised children won’t have to worry about not being vaccinated. Vaccinating your children helps more than just your child!
September 19th, 2011 - 17:58
Like I said, we plan on vaccinating our child with all the recommended immunizations
September 20th, 2011 - 09:28
As someone who takes care of sick and premature babies (NICU RN), I would recommend that you get the shot.
I’ve seen a kid come in with petussis (??) of all things and the kid was miserable and we nearly intubated the baby. The flu in a baby can be very dangerous and we’ve seen a kid go on ECMO because of it. That’s when you use a heart-lung machine to pump the blood out of your body, oxygenate it, and pump it back in. The risks of this are plentiful, as you can imagine, such as bleeding (as they need to heparinize the blood), infection, and risks associated with pumping all that foreign blood into the body since no test is 100% sure of HIV, etc detection and you wouldn’t be able to donate enough blood to cover the circuit or its ongoing transfusion needs.
If you breastfeed, the antibodies will pass through your milk to benefit your child as though they themselves had the immunity. What’s quite frightening is that we just had a kid come in with a nasty fever of 104 and fairly sick but had been exclusively breastfeeding with no known contact to any sick people. Mom and lacation couldn’t imagine what the infant would have been like had he been formula feeding…
Now, of course, these are all the extreme measures and they very well may never happen to you. I’d never gotten the flu shot before I started working professionally because I had a strong immune system and am rarely, if ever sick. It’s heavily encouraged in my workplace and it’s free, so I’ve gotten it in recent years. Knowing what I know, I don’t want to put my child at risk for that. Especially during pregnancy; I don’t want the risk of a premature birth should I get sick and the child needed to come out and/or got sick as well.
Best of luck in your decision!
September 19th, 2011 - 18:22
Hey Jen! I am 17 weeks and just saw my OB/GYN today. He actually gave me the flu shot right in the office. Admittedly, I haven’t done much research about getting it or not getting it, but I did ask my doc when I got there. He said I should absolutely get it, so I did! My hubby was in the office with me and they actually gave him one too
I trust my doc to recommend the best treatment and care. Good luck to you making your decision 
September 19th, 2011 - 18:37
I’m eight weeks pregnant and I will be getting a flu shot as soon as the pharmacy allows me to at 12 weeks. The benefits to me and baby outweigh the risks.
September 19th, 2011 - 19:52
I have 3 kids and got the flu shot with 2 of them. My third was born during the summer so it really was not an issue. I was really sick with one of daughters and I can’t even imagine being pregnant and having the flu.
September 19th, 2011 - 20:35
I really thought today’s controversial post was going to be about circumcision. Maybe next week? I’m 17 weeks and wouldn’t dream of putting myself, my fetus, or my newborn at risk of the flu if it’s preventable. Vaccines are primary prevention!
September 19th, 2011 - 20:42
I’m sorry! We agree on circumcision. I didn’t feel strongly one way or the other, and my husband did, so he wins
September 19th, 2011 - 20:58
ahhh such a tough decision when you are carrying the baby of another human. I’m due in December, and I have personally decided against the flu shot. My husband agrees. I’m similar to your husband in my beliefs.
Whatever you decided, I think it’s great that you and your husband are having a conversation about this topic and that your respecting eachother’s opinions. Welcome to parenthood!!!!!
September 19th, 2011 - 21:59
We are virtually on the same timeline with our pregnancy. I got the flu shot in ’99 and ’00 when I worked at a major hospital and it was mandatory. Both years, I ended up going home the same day with a fever and was sick the next day (yes, despite being told that it is not an active vaccine, etc.). Someone suggested that I might be allergic to the delivery method. I have never in my life had the flu……
I got the flu shot last year in the H1N1 scare ( I could not find H1N1) since I work with kids and it kept coming up with parents. No side effects. I am personally planning on getting the flu shot at my next appointment if my OB has it in the office.
September 19th, 2011 - 22:22
Funny, my husband and I just had this conversation last week. They were offering it at my job for free but after doing some research, the hubs convinced me not to get it. (Mostly because he read some contain mercury and can lead to autism.) I was more than happy to wait a few more weeks to get a flu shot. However, at my 36 week checkup Friday, my doctor said that it would be wise to get one for the exact reasons you mentioned. She also assured us there was no mercury in their vaccine. I’ve only had the flu shot twice, both during this pregnancy because my doctor suggested it. I’ve never had the flu, with or without the flu shot. Just my 2 cents. (I will have to tell you the story about my BFF’s crazy preggo SIL – you would enjoy it…)
September 20th, 2011 - 00:52
I got the flu shot, for the 1st time ever, last Friday and it was ONLY for baby! I could care less if I get the flu, but I would rather not see my little one in the hospital next year (I am also due in December). That is the only reason DH and I agreed I should get it. I got the preservative free shot which does not contain any mercury. However I have felt crappy since then so I called the ob this morning and it IS perfectly normal to feel crappy 3-5 days after the flu shot as your body is producing the cells to immunize itself according to her. So my aches, low fever, exhaustion, headache, congestion are the normal reaction because I do have a weakened immune system right now due to pregnancy. Now if baby was not due smack dab in the middle of flu season then I would not have got the shot, nor would I have got it if I wasn’t pregnant. I don’t agree with immunizing yourself against something your body should naturally fight off if you happen to get it. Good luck with your decision! I can’t say one way is right and one is wrong, I just know I did it to prevent baby from being in the hospital hooked up to machines during it’s 1st 3 months of life!
September 20th, 2011 - 07:44
totally up to the person, but i happen to think the CDC has professionals for a reason. to give us good information that protects us (and sweet little babies). get the shot
September 20th, 2011 - 09:17
My next midwife appointment is on Thursday. And this is my first question I’m planning to ask. I am leaning toward getting the shot. I have never had an adverse reaction to the shot. However, I don’t know how much it helps either. On years I’ve had the shot, I haven’t had the flu. On years I haven’t gotten the shot, I haven’t had the flu. But working on a busy college campus and having a high school teacher as a husband definitely ups the odds of coming in contact with it. Not to mention all those visits to the hospital for check-ups and prenatal classes. I’ll let you know what my midwife says. Though, I did read the other day that ideally pregnant women should get the flu shot by September.
September 20th, 2011 - 11:23
I got the flu and ended up with pneumonia when I was only 5 months pregnant. I was hospitalized for 5 days and it was awful. I was away from my family and scared and hurting all over. I say get the flu shot. If you don’t have major medical reasons against, don’t take a chance with getting sick at this point in pregnancy.
Funny what you all said about circumcision! I had no major opinion and left it up to my husband. He’s the one with a penis so he should decide! We went with after feedback from several friends and family members.
September 20th, 2011 - 13:07
I have received the flu shot just about every year since I had my son and it has been available. (he will be 16 in April). I don’t like the idea of vaccines, but I don’t like the idea of being deathly ill either. Pregnancy can lower your immunity against common illnesses and if you can help protect against that, I say go for it. Additionally, like you said, it will help protect baby for a while when his immune system isn’t able to yet.
Kim
September 20th, 2011 - 13:08
I had the shot both times I was pregnant and would recommend you get it as well. It might not be the best reason but another thing to think about is that you can’t really take anything to relieve symptoms should you come down with the flue (or any cold for that matter). I did get sick while pregnant with both kids and it was AWFUL. So for all of the many reasons listed above (antibodies, etc.) I say shot.
September 20th, 2011 - 15:18
You and my sister seem very similar. My sister ran through her pregnancy and graduated from Clemson. (okay, maybe Clemson has nothing to do with pregnancy
)
My sister gave birth to a boy at the end of December, and my other sister (a midwife) agreed with her decision not to get a flu shot. My pregnant sister had never had the flu shot before (I don’t see if you mentioned whether you get a flu shot each year). My sister and brother-in law also chose a staggered vaccine schedule and my sister nursed. All this to say, the only time my nephew has ever been sick was when he got his first cold at 3.5 y.o. this summer.
September 24th, 2011 - 11:41
I’m way late to this discussion so maybe you’ve already decided but I say: get the shot. I’m not pregnant but had a conversation with a doctor friend of mine recently. The one time I got the shot, I felt awful for a day, so I never got it again. He said “trust me, that is WAY BETTER than actually having the flu.” Two weeks ago, I got the flu for real and it S.U.C.K.E.D. This year I will be getting my flu shot for sure.
September 25th, 2011 - 15:00
I have very much enjoyed following your blog over the past few months- so thank you!! We have quite a bit in common – almost two years of infertility struggles, many failed attempts (throw a m/c in there for me, too), and many months of tears and disappointment. But I’m happy to say that, like you, I’m now pregnant with my first SON! I’m due two short weeks after you
I’m very happy for you and your husband, and wish you only the best.
Last week I got my flu vaccine. My husband and I work in the healthcare field, so it came highly recommended by my OB group. To me, it’s a no-brainer where the benefits FAR outweigh the risks. My husband, who has never gotten a flu vaccine, will also be getting one this year. So I, for one, very much support your decision to get the shot!
Thanks again for a great blog!