Are Flu Shots Safe?

[tealfrosted]

I'm 22 wks pregnant and live in NYC where flu season is rapididly approaching.
I'm so against taking medications, even those recommended by most OBs but I also against getting a cold and not knowing how to fight it. I'm contemplating getting a flu shot. Have you heard anything about the consequences of flu shots during pregnancy? The most important thing for me is, of course, to protect my little boy. Any thoughts?

Nely

[npittard]

I had a flu shot at my last ob appointment and from what I understand they are recommended for all pregnant women, especially those that will be in later pregnancy during flu season. Ask your doc. I had a cold at the start of my second trimester and although I'm not against taking any medications the ones that you can take don't work anyway so I was totally miserable.

[prov31princess]

I've had a flu shot when I was pregnant with my first 3 babies and I plan on getting another one with this one. It really does help! Who wants the flu when their pregnant anyway.....not fun! I would hope that my doctor wouldn't have me get it if it wasn't safe.

[skipnjif]

I also had a flu shot the last time and will get another this time. It was explained to me that the "risks" associated with the shot are minimal compared to the complications for you and your baby if you get the flu.

[mikcom]

This is my first pregnancy and I'm planning to get the flu shot. I am very much against taking medications while I'm pregnant and even though I've had excessive heartburn the last month, I've only taken Tums three or four times. But as far as the flu goes, I think it would be terrible to get it while I'm pregnant and I hope that it outways the negatives about getting the shot.

[aimerly]

My OB recommended one, so I said OK before thinking about it. Later I looked around and saw concerns about the mercury in the vaccine-but read many opinions from doctors that the suppressed immune system and risk of pneumonia outweighed the very low risks posed by the mercury.
That makes sense to me.

[mrjwhit]

DW and I are going to hear the heart beat this Wednesday. We will certainly ask about flu shots. Historically we haven't had shots and haven't had the flu. Thank God.

[natobasso]

I'm still unsure about flu shots because while they are 'good' and 'protect' from the flu, you can only target the most popular flu in your area with one shot (from what I hear) and it's not proven to protect you should the flu bug try to get at ya. And, you end up getting sick anyway from the flu shot!

My Pediatrician hasn't discussed it with us, just assumed we should do it. Any further advice? I'm skeptical...

[tealfrosted]

I was also skeptical and chose not to take it. I found couple of articles that mentioned that the flu shot still has in small quantities Thimerosal, a compound containing Mercury. The only organization that recommends the shot is the CDC.
The other reason why I didn't take it is because the flu vaccine is made of the virus from last year, which is not the same virus that surrounds us this year. Mmm…. I’m not a chemist but that didn't make sense to me.

http://vaccineinfo.net/issues/mercury/index.shtml

I made a decision to keep my pregnancy natural and boost your immune system by eating well-balanced meals. So far it's been good. I actually have been healthier than other winters.

[anniem]

I have had the flu shot almost every year since I started college. One year I didn't get it because I was skeptical about whether it really worked. That year I was very sick for a long time. Since then I have received it. This year, being pregnant I couldn't get it until the 2nd trimester which started in January. Luckily I didn't get sick before then.

Before I got the flu shot, I went to get a physical for a new job.The doctor (who wasn't my OB or my PCP) assumed I had it and asked me about it. When I told him that I hadn't received it, he told me that women who get the flu during pregnancy rarely go to term.

Of course that freaked me out and I got a flu shot that day. I have not been sick and I work with preschoolers!