Pregnant & Swine Flu Shot

Whatever you do do not let the doctor force you into anything until YOU do the research. I personally would not touch it with a 20 ft pole. Here is the package insert and btw those with asthma that get the flu shot are more than double likely to end up in the hospital that season. I've posted just some of the revelent information from the insert here for you. NOTE that it is not to be given to children under four (this includes your baby) and to pregnant women unless clearly needed (what does this mean!?!) and NO STUDIES have been done. There are better ways to help you through this flu season.

http://www.fda.gov/downloads/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vacci...

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
•
Safety and effectiveness of Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine have not been established in pregnant women, nursing mothers or children less than 4 years of age. (8.1, 8.3, 8.4)
•
Antibody responses to the trivalent
DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS
Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine, a sterile suspension for intramuscular injection, is supplied in two presentations:
•
Prefilled single dose syringe, 0.5-mL. Thimerosal, a mercury derivative used during manufacture, is removed by subsequent purification steps to a trace amount (≤ 1 mcg mercury per 0.5-mL dose) (3, 11)
•
Multidose vial, 5-mL. Contains thimerosal, a mercury derivative (25 mcg mercury per 0.5-mL dose). Thimerosal is added as preservative. (3,11)

8.1 Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category C: Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine or FLUVIRIN. It is also not known whether Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine or FLUVIRIN can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.
8.3 Nursing Mothers
It is not known whether FLUVIRIN or Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine is administered to a nursing woman.
8.4
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric subjects below the age of 4 years have not been established. [see ADVERSE REACTIONS (6) and CLINICAL STUDIES (14)]CONTRAINDICATIONS
•
History of systemic hypersensitivity reactions to egg proteins, or any other component of Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine, or life-threatening reactions to previous influenza vaccinations. (4, 11)

3 moms found this helpful

PLEASE DO NOT GET THE SHOT unless you are 100% sure that you and your baby will be safe.

Please do the research. Doctors know sickness ONLY...they rarely treat health. When the give you the shot, they know you are likley to get side effects, that they feel confident to treat. So what if you didn't get the shot? What if you did get the flu (which by the way, more people die from the regular flu than any other every year...) So what if you did get it...then if need be, you can be treated.

I know that the best prevention is nutrition and cleanliness. Focus on both and you and your family will be safe.

http://search.mercola.com/results.aspx?k=h1n1%20shot

Know they are injecting you with a virus so you don't get the virus...sounds kind of silly to me.

Do some research on vaccines, please, educate not medicate.

http://www.naturalnews.com/GoogleSearchResults.html?q=flu...

What is really in those needles?

http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_3400.cfm

Do the research. Make an informed decision. I recommend to my clients NOT to vaccinate or get flu shots. Period.

**Did you here...someone who gets the flushot is 50% more likely to attract the H1N1 virus...yet they still say get it. Who are "they" and how can "they" not see the numbers?

B.
Family Success Coach

2 moms found this helpful

D., I would strongly recommend that you not take the vaccine. ALL doctors (unless they specialize in natural medicines) will recommend that you get it but that doesn't mean its the best thing for you or your baby. The medical profession is heavily tied to pharmaceutical companies so they cannot discourage vaccines. However, do your research (BOTH sides - for and against), pray about it and make an informed decision. Both my husband and I are educated professionals and have made the decision not to vaccinate our children. It's an extreme misperception to believe that people who've made the same decision as we have are uninformed or plain stupid. Beleive me, the accusations come but we're very confident in our decision. I did not have any flu shots while pregnant either. We have 2 beautiful, strong, healthy boys. Diet and nutrition are tantamount to health. God bless you and your family!

2 moms found this helpful

From what I've been reading and what my OB and friends who are doctors have told me is that the H1N1 vaccine is made exactly the same way the regular flu vaccine is made. The only difference being the inactivated virus component, so there is very little reason to believe that it will be a problem. I believe that there is a non-therimisol version just like there is with the regular flu shot. I have gotten the regular flu shot both times I've been pregnant (non-T version) and when I have not been pregnant as well. There is a very real danger of serious complications from the flu, including death, particularly if you are pregnant. Millions of pregnant women over the years have received flu shots and it is deemed to be safe. I know it's scary that this one is "new" but I am forcing myself to look at it logically and make a logical decision based on reliable information from reputable sources (NOT Dr. Mercola or a lot of those natural sites that use scare tactics - my mom sends them to me). It is hard not to make this decision based on emotion - we all want what is best for our unborn children and would be devastated if anything we did caused any problems. That said, prior to my research I was in the category of probably not going to get the H1N1 but would get the flu vaccine. Now I'm in the category of 90% sure I will get the H1N1 vaccine when it comes out in November. Also, the added bonus is that my unborn baby, who will be born during flu season but will be too young to vaccinate and will be still developing her own immune system, will have taken on some of the antibodies from my flu shot.

My mother-in-law just died from a simple virus b/c she had a compromised immune system. Pregnant women also have a compromised immune system and this is particularly true in the last trimester. This is a very real danger.

Good luck with your decision. Try not to make it out of fear, but out of fact - I know it's hard.

2 moms found this helpful

Dr Oz took the vaccine on air but said in an interview that he was not having his children vaccinated. I would not do it. Sambucol is very effective in combating flu. It is from elderberry extract. Here's what one mother had to say on a blog about it.
http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?p=142...

1 mom found this helpful

I would tell my doc to take a flying leap! : ) I would not get one preggo or not. Never had a flu shot and I never get the flu, people I know who get them religiously get the flu religiously. I don't think that is by chance. The other reason if that God only knows what it could do to your unborn baby. If you get the flu while preggo you will survive. Wash your hands frequently with soapy water and you will be fine. Good luck and congrats in advance. Your so brave for having another one right now. LOL My dd is 22 months and I am still amazed at anyone who goes on to have more than one. : )

1 mom found this helpful

Hi D.. Congrats on your little baby. I have been reading the responses here and I don't beleive that most of them women who have responded really KNOW what to do. They seem to have a preconceived theory and don't want to change their opinion. I do not know a lot of the research on it but I do know that a friend of mine died 2 weeks ago from swine flu. The went into a coma 2 hours after delivering her baby girl (now 8 weeks) and stayed that way for 6 weeks until she passed. She DID NOT have the vaccine. (I only tell you this b/c someone said only people given the vaccine have died). There also have been documentation that many pregnant women have died. I think that you should take the information from your responses and make a list of questions you have and discuss with your doc. Only you and your doc know all of your medical concerns and whether you should get the vaccine. Some women are advising not getting it b/c its a "new" vaccine. The regular flu vaccine is a "new" vaccine every year based on the new strain of the virus and how it may have mutated. So what does that prove? Nothing. Hopefully you can use these responses to make the best decision. from what I have heard, doctors are absolutely advising preggos to get the vaccine. There are a few articles on WEB MD that talk about this. (I read them yesterday, sorry I didn't have time to look for them) Good LUCK!

1 mom found this helpful

My OB (and the other 3 docs in her practice) is recommending the shot for her patients. She is EXTREMELY conservative and would not recommend something she did not believe was safe. I am 13 weeks pregnant and can't wait to get the darn shot. From all that I have read about this vaccine (and that's every article I can find), I believe it is safe and the pros outweigh the cons in this circumstance. It is the same vaccine as the regular flu shot except the viral strain is different--there have been no major changes to the vaccine formula. There have been no reported negative effects to mothers or fetuses from the regular flu shot so why should we assume this vaccine is any different. Don't forget that the media thrives on worrying the general public--if it's not scary, then it's not news. This is a legitimate, worrisome issue but the facts are that more people still die from the regular seasonal flu than from the swine flu. The swine flu, however, is particularly agressive in pregnant women and that's what makes it scary, and tips the scales for me in favor of getting the vaccine.

I strongly believe that we must trust our medical providers and trust that they would not steer us wrong and give us or our unborn babies something that would harm us. I'd rather take the risk on this shot then end up extremely sick and possibly dead. All we can do is listen to our medical providers, try to make responsible decisions, and then leave the rest up to God.

Good luck in making your decision!

D.

PS: I am giving the shot to my 2-year old son, too.

1 mom found this helpful

My opinion would be not to get it. Instead, concentrate on building up your immune system (lots vitamin c & D!!! and lots of rest if you can). Just my opinion though, I am not a doctor...

1 mom found this helpful

Personally I would not get it at all, but if you decide to, make sure it is the preservative free kind.

1 mom found this helpful

NOOOOOOOO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Informational Insert for the nasal and the injectable says it has NOT been tested on pregnant women. Or children under 5. There is mercury, squalene and many more dangerous ingredients in it.
Here is an article from Dr. Mercola:

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/1...

Much more info on his site

1 mom found this helpful

Hi,
I have several friends that are pregnant and their doctors have recommended it. One of them received a letter from their practice. I am not pregnant and I will get the vaccine and I would certainly do it if I were pregnant in light of the data. Yet I am sure many people would not agree with me.
Best of luck!

1 mom found this helpful

Eh, I probably won't bother to get it unless my OB really talks me into it. I just saw her yesterday and she didn't mention it at all.

Honestly, is the vaccine really even out there yet? I keep hearing about how "it's coming" and this person and that person "should be first in line to get it", but I have yet to hear that it is actually available somewhere or that any one single person has been dosed with it yet. So I'll believe it when I see it... they've been talking about it the first 20 weeks of my pregnancy, I have 20 to go and I will be really surprised if it actually materializes in that time. So I think it may be a non-issue for all us pregos.

And yes this is a flu that developed from swine, as most of our human illnesses throughout time have developed from animals. Why do you think it's called Chicken Pox? You don't see Chickens running around with red spots and scratching themselves but thats where it mutated from ages ago. Ever since man began domesticating animals we have had to deal with the epidemic illnesses they transfer to us. That's how so many native americans were decimated when settlers from places with domesticated animals came over with all kinds of new illnesses that they hadn't built immunity to.

Sorry, total tangent, I'll get off my soapbox now.

1 mom found this helpful

Kudos to you for doing some research before just injecting yourself with something. Personally, I don't think the vaccine has been tested enough however, this is such a personal decision. You must do what is right for you.

My doctor does not recommend the vaccine and that was after recently attending a national vaccination conference. She told us to focus on boosting our immunity. Here is an article from another doctor which she recommended. Best of luck and congrats on your pregnancy!

http://www.drjaygordon.com/development/news/h1n1update.asp

1 mom found this helpful

Hi D. and others,

This is an update to some responses that came after my original response (see below) and to a personal email message I received from another mama.

It is not enough to read the drug manufacturer's product insert for many products. The manufacturer, in this case, Novartis, only conducts premarket studies on select populations. Pediatric studies and studies on pregnant women are very difficult to conduct because of the inherant risks involved and the general unwillingness of these groups to volunteer for studies because of possible risks. However, the CDC and the health agencies of other governments collect their own data on the use and adverse effects of drugs and vaccines. So, while it is true that Novartis has not conducted the studies, and thus can only make recommendations on the basis of the studies it HAS conducted, CDC postmarket data collection gives a different picture (their information is based on data collected on adverse events form doctors and therefore includes a MUCH larger population, and a more diverse population, than the people included in the Novartis trials). For the CDC expert panel opinion on the administration of the trivalent seasonal flu vaccine and the new monovalent H1N1 vaccine, see http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/vaccination/vaccine_...
See also http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/vaccination/vax-summ...

In fact, I stand corrected by this document. The CDC is specifically recommending this vaccine for all children ages 6 mos and older, not just those over 2 years of age, as I posted below. You will note that they also specifically recommend immunization of pregnant women. It is, as always in the field of medicine, that this is all about RELATIVE risk. Is there risk from the immunization? Probably, but the risks are very low and the adverse effects are predominantly mild. Is there risk of severe complications for pregnant women who contract the new H1N1? Yes -- this has been firmly established. The death rate in pregnant women is about 2 times greater than in the rest of the population, although the risk is still low. Is the risk of severe adverse events from vaccination greater than the risk of severe complications from contracting from H1N1(for pregnant women)? No -- the statistics show that there is greater risk of suffering a severe complication from H1N1 than there is of suffering a severe adverse event from the vaccine.

As for Margie's vociferous "NO", her information is compeltely wrong. The thimerasol used in vaccine preparation is titrated out of the end product. As for squalene, here's the wikipedia definition, which is easier to use than creating my own: Squalene is a natural organic compound originally obtained for commercial purposes primarily from shark liver oil, though botanic sources (primarily vegetable oils) are used as well, including amaranth seed, rice bran, wheat germ, and olives. All higher organisms produce squalene, including humans. It is a hydrocarbon and a triterpene. Squalene is a natural and vital part of the synthesis of cholesterol, steroid hormones, and vitamin D in the human body. Squalene is used in cosmetics, and more recently as an immunologic adjuvant in vaccines. (An adjuvant is any compound that helps to stimulate an immune response, especially the production of B cells.)

If people are going to make recommendations, I suggest they get a little better educated first. Sure, doctors aren't all knowing -- no one is. BUT, they and the scientists who strive to advance medicine have years and years of education under their belts that most people have almost no experience with. When's the last time any of the moms on this site took organic chemistry? Immunology? Biochemistry? Pharmacology, Microbiology? Epidemiology? Virology? Not to mention having the clinical experience of seeing patients day in and day out throughout internship, residency, and beyond?Grabbing little bits and pieces of information here and there that fit an individual ideology is not the same as studying in depth and and getting a whole-topic or whole-field understanding. I can fold a passable paper airplane and can explain to you why it will fly, but there's no way I could use that tidbit to build an aircraft safe enough that even I would want to travel in it!

By the way, I expect a natural question people may ask is: If the trivalent seasonal flu vaccine already contains H1N1, why do I need another H1N1 specific vaccine? The reason for this is that influenza Type A mutates very rapidly. All viral particles contain and express the hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N) genes, which come in different variations (genotypes). The genotype for the new H1N1 is known to be very different from anything that we've seen for the last 50 years, although this variant WAS seen in the US and worldwide several times between 1918 and the late 1950s. This is why people over age 55 are actually less likely to get this new variant -- a large populaton of this age group has already experienced this flu and has immunity to it. Back to the question, though. The new variant genotype is different enough from the variant expected to arise from previous H1N1 types seen in the last few years that the vaccine would not generate antibody production that could recognize the new variant.

Think of it like a jigsaw puzzle piece. Say that the antibodies made against expected H1N1 contain 4 "bumps" that would recognize 4 depressions in the H1N1 viral proteins. But, the new variant only has 3 depressions and 1 bump, so now the antibody made in response to the seasonal vaccine won't fit onto the new variant, so it doesn't recognize it. That means that by the time your body recognizes and generates an immune response to the new variant, it has already replicated so much that you have the flu. On the other hand, if you get the vaccine, your body has had an opportunity to develop antibodies to this new invader, so that if you do get infected, your immunological "memory" kicks in immediately, and cells infected with the virus can be disposed of immediately, before the virus can spread.

Original posting:

I am not a doctor, but I am a medical writer who specializes in immunology and infectious disease. Because I have to educate doctors in this area, I've been following the literature on this new variant of H1N1 Type A influenza pretty closesly.

Pregnant women are in the H1N1 high risk group. This does not mean that you're at a higher risk of getting this particular flu, but you are at a significantly higher risk of developing severe complications or (not to scare you) death if you happen to contract the virus. For this reason, the CDC is recommending that all pregnant women get the vaccination, but NOT the nasal mist variety, which is made from live, attenuated virus. Pregnant women and people with pulmonary disease (such as asthma, COPD, emphysema, etc.) should receive the injection, which is made from killed virus.

Talk to your pediatrician about getting your daughter immunized. Right now, the recommendation is for all children between the ages of 2 and 18. If we can get 80% of this age group vaccinated, it will reduce the number of H1N1 cases by a projected 90% for ALL ages. This is because the pediatric population is the primary vector for this virus. They are far more likely to spread contagion in the close environs of school and day care, and much less likely to practice good hand hygiene and care when coughing and sneezing. But, because your daughter is below the recommended age, the pediatrician should make this evaluation. Immunizing her and having your husband get immunized will also reduce your risks.

Congratulation, and enjoy the home stretch!

1 mom found this helpful

are u researching it? when i was pregnant i got the regular flu shot..i don't know you're this far along maybe you should just skip it..but do some research..here are 2 different articles
http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200911/brownlee-h1n1

also

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/10/health/10primer.html?_r=1

I'm pregnant too - entering my 3rd trimester. I'm probably going to get it just b/c of the FACT that a good amount of pregnant women are DYING from H1N1. Our immune systems are lower during pregnancy. I hate that it's a new vaccine and there hasn't been enough time to study the effects. My doctor says flu vaccine's are pretty easy to create and they don't expect any crazy side effects. I have a 14 month old too and I'm scared of him getting it too. He's not in daycare but we do a lot of activities w/ other mom's and their kids, playgrounds, etc. Germ fests!!! It's impossible to keep his hands clean and off his face and mouth.
There is a specific H1N1 as well as regular flu shot made just for pregnant women - it's thermosil/mercury free. Make sure that's what you get as well as your 18 month old if you decided to give to her.
I feel your struggle on this...wish there was more time for research/results!!!

My sister in law is pregnant and I know her doctor recommended it strongly for her.

Keep this in mind too...your baby will be born in the middle of flu season. If you get the flu shot, there are studies now that say that your baby will get benefits of your vaccination even after he/she is born. Just something to think about...I know last year, I got the regular flu shot when I was pregnant with my son. He didn't get the flu, but can't say if that was due to my shot or just luck!

It's a really personal decision though...good luck!

-M

A friend of mine posted this on Facebook, and I found the link helpful:

"This is the patient insert for the H1N1 vaccine. Pay particular attention to section 8, dealing with children and pregnant women. If safety and effectiveness in these two populations hasn't been established, why are they recommending these people get it? It's also a pregnancy category C..."

http://www.fda.gov/downloads/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vacci...

I'm in the same boat. I have two small children and one due on Thanksgiving. I'm very nervous about the vaccine but what I try to remember is that when I am vaccinate it covers my newborn, too. It is recommended that people who are going to be around children under 6 months get vaccinated also. It makes me nervous but if I can fight the effects then hopefully it will protect my littlest one. I have gotten the regular flu shot before while pregnant and had no repercussions other than a sore arm for a day. I am nervous for my kids to get the H1N1 vaccine but I feel that is one of those times where the benefits out weigh the risks. Good luck, I hope this helps you.

NO WAY! It's got mercury and psychiatric medication in it. Don't take it!

NO NO NO! Don't get it! All flu shots are full of preservative, chemicals and synthetic ingredients that shouldn't be injected into anyone. Let alone a young child or a pregnant woman.

Contrary to what one previous poster said...your doctor is NOT always looking out for your best interest!

I am going to weigh in on other side of the argument. Back in 1976 the medico-drug cohorts created this same "epidemic" as they have done now. It was all made up... none of it was real... just like it isn't now. The so-called swine flu is a different type of flu, but it is much milder than the regular flu. Find me one sick pig in any country and I might start to believe this this isn't a bunch of 'hog-wash"! The only people who contracted this "flu" were also the ones who got the vaccine, some died, some suffered seizures and swelling of the brain and I'm not just talking about the kids who had this vaccine. OH! And just in case you are wondering... 60% of the vaccine supply in CALIFORNIA alone is preserved in Thimersol... mercury. Don't be fooled... it IS still a possibility and that WILL travel to your unborn child.
There has been NO efficacy testing of this vaccine, in fact of any of them, and the risks are too great. Check out the PDR on the side effects of the vaccines, and you can lump the swine flu vaccine in with it. If you want to get sick.. get the vaccine. If you want to avoid getting sick then get your rest, eat right, and get some moderate exercise. (At 32 weeks even just walking for 30 minutes a day would suffice).
If you have any questions or want resources/references to my information feel free to email me. :)
Here is a link to an expose that Channel 5 had last night about a beautiful young woman whose life is now destroyed because of a flu vaccine
http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/health/101309_woman_disabled_b...

I'm 29 weeks pregnant & my Dr. wants me to get both flu shots the regular flu shot & the swine flu shot. I did get the regular flu shot from my OB Dr. in his office. I have done some research on the swine flu shot & I have chosen not to get it. It's to new & hasnt been tested enough for me to trust it. Hope this helps you.

Being sick and pregnant, can be scary no matter if you even have a regular common cold. And when pregnant, there is nothing much that you can take if sick.

For me, I'm not pregnant, but like the previous respondent, I do plan to get the Swine Flu vaccination. The KEY reason being, I have Asthma. And, I have had too many scary close calls and complications because of it... and secondary infections in my chest, even with just a common cold that lingered. So, as a result, I will do the vaccination.
It is my personal choice.

I know it is a difficult decision, and with all the "hype" or not... a person has to think of what is best for them and their health condition.

All the best,
Susan

Hello D.,

I am currently three and a half months pregnant with a son who is almost three years old. I just talk to his doctor and my doctor about is it save to give my son and myself both flu shot and H1N1 shot. They are totally recommended all the family who have contact with children until 5 and pregnant women to get both.

I have being struggle with the idea of this for a while also and it's very nice to know that I am not the only one who is worry whether it's good or bad to give their children shot which they don't really understand.

Good Luck!

M. ^_^

I am pregnant as well and both my primary care physician and my ob/gyn have recommended getting the shot. My sister, who is also pregnant, and has different ob/gyn at a different hospital recommended the shot as well.

ACK! Nooooo!!

The swine flu shot is NOT recommended for pregnancy!!! It has NOT been thoroughly tested. It has been proven to not even be *safe* by infectious disease doctors. Many are recommending against it across the board.

I would strongly, strongly recommend against getting it. The swine flu is no more serious than the regular flu. And the regular flu shots are made from LAST YEAR'S flu strain, which doesn't protect against *this* year's flu strain. It's one of the most pointless and potentially harmful vaccines on the market.

I am also pregnant, my OB/GYN suggested I should take both regular flu shot and H1N1 shot.

Hey D.,
My doctor also recommended that I get the swine flu, but I turned her down. The vaccine has only been out for one month and there has not been enough testing to see what damage could be done as a result of having it. Additionally, from what I have read there is a higher level of thermosil (mercury) in this vaccine than in any other.
A great resource on swine flu is www.mercola.com It gives you a detailed explanation of the swine flu vaccine and explains why there is reason to avoid it. Unfortunately, the pharmaceutical companies are not going to divulge all the dangers of it, so be very careful.

My doctor told me that the H1N1 vaccine has NOT been tested on pregnant women or young children. I would not get the vaccine if I were you. Just be careful and take the precautions in washing hands often and staying away from sick people. I wish you all the best!!

Hello. I am in the same boat only 8 weeks pregnant with a two year old. I am not sure what I will do. My Nurse Midwife said the shot should not be given until second trimester anyway so I have some time to mull over. It is a scary decision either way and I totally sympathize. My advice to you is to talk to your doctor and then make your decision. Your doctor will have research and websites to check it out.

My friend is a nurse practitioner and she is anti-vaccines. She suggested that i super boost my immune system and stay away from places with sickies. easier said than done tho. i do not know what i shall do1 good luck to you:)

Many people suffer from the flu each year, a lot of them die from it. . .the swine flu vaccine is not "new", it is the same as the normal flu vaccine, but it has the H1N1 strain. It is a dead vaccine, thus you cannot get the flu from the vaccine.

The reason that docs are recommending this vaccine even more than usual, is that H1N1 seems to have more harsh effects on pregnant women and younger people. Usually the regular flu virus effects the elderly.

Influenza is a VIRUS, which means it is constantly mutating. . .which is why sometimes people get the flu even though they have been vaccinated. I don't know how scientists determine which virus strain will be more prevalent for the year, but they do and that is what we are vaccinated against.

I never got the flu vaccination before I had kids, and I had never gotten the flu, until I had children. After one round of the flu in the house, we are now all vaccinated each year.

Please discuss all of your concerns with your doctor, remember that they are looking out for you and your baby's best interest.

E.

Never, NEVER leave anything to chance when you're pregnant.

If some Dr's are FOR and some AGAINST, dont do it. Personally, I wouldnt do it if ALL Dr's said it's OK. It's a brand new shot, we will not know the long term affects of this for many yrs.

Wendy

Trust your gut, not a doctor. They are not all-knowing, despite popular belief. Do your own research and you will find the clarity you are seeking.