C.I. asks from Birmingham, AL on November 08, 2008
Confused About the Flu Shot When Attempting to Get Pregnant
I just wondered if anyone knew anything about the effects of the flu shot if I were to get pregnant within 30 days of getting the vaccine. My husband and I are ready to start trying to get pregnant again but when I went in for the flu shot, the form asked if I was planning to get pregnant in the next 30 days. The person administering the shot didn't have a clear answer when I asked why it would be safe for pregnant women but not if I were to get pregnant after the fact. Any thoughts...
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C.W. answers from Washington DC on November 09, 2008
When I was trying to get pregnant with my son I had a flu shot. The lady at Target Clinic called her supervisor for me to find out if it would have any effects if I was pregnant at the time and they said it was absolutely safe. A few weeks later I found out I had conceived probably a week before I got the shot and my son had no problems from it.
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C.D. answers from Norfolk on November 09, 2008
I've had flu shots before, during, and after kids, no problems. I wouldn't worry; it's worse if you get the flu especially since you have a little one already. And flu isn't nothing, people die from it.
N.B. answers from Washington DC on November 09, 2008
Hi, C., Better safe than sorry.........I'd rather have the flu than problems resulting from the shot!
J.M. answers from Washington DC on November 10, 2008
My OBGYN recommends the flu shot no matter what stage in pregnancy you are. It is much safer to get the flu shot than have the possible negative effects of the flu on your fetus. Hope that helps.
J.
A.V. answers from Washington DC on November 10, 2008
Talk to your OB. I skipped the shot the year I got pregnant, but it's actually reccomended. See if you can get a preservative-free version (they make limited quantities) if that's what you're concerned about. When your baby is born, it is reccomended that everyone get a flu shot if baby is too young to get one (the cocoon effect).
C.M. answers from Washington DC on November 10, 2008
I've never heard this.....very interested in what others have to say!
C.W. answers from Washington DC on November 09, 2008
When I was trying to get pregnant with my son I had a flu shot. The lady at Target Clinic called her supervisor for me to find out if it would have any effects if I was pregnant at the time and they said it was absolutely safe. A few weeks later I found out I had conceived probably a week before I got the shot and my son had no problems from it.
M.R. answers from Washington DC on November 09, 2008
The flu shot is reccommended for pregnant women who would be in their second or third trimester during flu season. I am six weeks pregnant and had a flu shot two weeks ago at the advice of my fertility nurse and pediatrician's office. Now you should not have the flu mist because it is a live virus, but the flu shot is dead antibodies. The shot takes two weeks to take effect. Even the nurse at CVS, who gave me the shot said the doctors reccommend pregnany women to get the shot because having the flu could be worse for you and the fetus. I had the stomach virus when I was pregnant with my first and it was an awful experience. In the end it is up to you, but it is okay to have the shot. My one friend was given the shot by her OB's office. I don't think they would have given it to her if it was a problem.
L.A. answers from Charlottesville on November 08, 2008
I think the flu shot is only safe after your first trimester or at least that is what I was told but that was 4 years ago. I dont' know about taking it immediatley prior to becoming pregnant.
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