Flu Vac's during pregnancy?

Babydreaming & BeautifulAngie - if you find out more please let me know, I would love to know peoples personal experiences.......

Happi - So far the people I know who had the shot say that it stings like hell?? How did it feel?

Mrs Smith - thanks for all the info, I am trying to do some research, being a microbiologist myself I do agree there are pro's and con's but from the released scientific reports (not published by the pharmaceutical companies) the 2015 flu vac was due to be released in March, however because of 2 new strains identified they delayed the release until May 2015 to include the currently flu strains that claimed so many lives in Korea (according to the report, very similar to swine flu but far more aggressive on the respiratory system) I am still considering whether to go for it or not, my gynae just said anytime from second trimester. the research also confirms, anyone over 65 or anyone with chronic conditions, or kids 6-10 years or those with medical conditions and pregnant women are identified as the high risk individuals.

Also ladies remember if you are sick or already getting sick, the flu vac won't work, once you get the shot it takes 2-3 weeks for the body to produce the actual antibodies, hence why some people still get sick after the vac cause they haven't built up the resistance yet.

I have boosted up naturally with vitamin C etc, trying my best to get everyone to wash their hands, my only concern is that I deal with so much of people it's very easy to pick up the bug from hand to hand contact or them just coughing or sneezing around me

So I am still deciding.................

Personally, I decided that since I had never had a flu vaccine before pregnancy, I was not about to potentially endanger my unborn child by going for my first one during pregnancy. There is a lot of propaganda out there pushing for flu vaccines, but there is also a lot about the dangers of it that gets left out. Please, before going, at least do your own research. There is a lot of evidence that flu vaccines during pregnancy are linked to preeclampsia and preterm birth.

No one can tell you yes or no, you should or shouldn't go, it is entirely up to you. It is a decision only you can make. Doctors generally push for it, but it is what they are paid to do. Please do your research before making a decision.

I would just like to add that I have vaccinated my son, so I am not "one of those anti-vaxxers", but I have also learnt through time and lot's of reading that vaccinations are not as harmless as we are led to believe. And the flu vaccine is one that I was not willing to take during pregnancy. I was coerced into giving it to my son during his first year, and I always regretted it (although he did not have any serious adverse reactions) and have never taken him back for more.

there are a lot of stories out there of flu vaccines resulting in people getting flu, and of people getting far sicker from the flu than those you don't get the vacc. There are companies that send all their employees for flu vaccs, and then land up with the highest sickness record that year that they've ever seen. Also bare in mind that there are thousands of strains of flu. The vacc is only for one strain, and actually it's usually the strain from the previous year, as the one that attacks this year has not yet begun. So the flu vacc does not cover you from flu in general, only from one strain out of thousands. It's a guessing game for the pharmaceutical companies as to which strain they need to develop a vaccine for every year, that's why there is a new flu vacc every winter.

Can you take the shot even in your second trimester? Immunity from flu for the first six months wow

Hi there,

I was wondering the same thing, I have had flu shots for the past two years I just dont know if its wise during pregnancy. Good question, I'm following this one.

Hi zaza

I had mine a week ago, I called my gynae b4 I got and he said they advise pregnant women to get it. If it will work or not....time will tell

it was my 1st time getting one as well.

Hi Ladies

So how many of you have taken, or going to take or will never take a flu vac while pregnant.

I know its recommended after first trimester for pregnant mums, and some research confirms, pregnant mum's who take it give their babies flu immunity for the first six months after birth as well.

I have never had one, just curious on other pregnant mum's experiences with the flu vac during pregnancy, I hear this winter's flu strain is very bad leading to lotsa of respiratory complications on those affected by it?