H1N1 - sorry to bring it up I just need your advice....

caring21 · #1 November 3rd, 2009, 12:18 PM

This week in my city they are giving the h1n1 shot with the special aditive to all the "priorities" which include, young children, pregnant women over 20 weeks, pregnant women under 20 weeks with health problems and people with health problems.......... (sorry if there are mistakes I have to translate into english) My problem is that I don't see my doctor until thursday night once the round of shots will already be over for my catergory. My sister in law who goes to the same clinic said her doctor said she should get it and she was given a prescription for Tamiflu. Basically I'm curious as to what you'll be doing or have done and what was your reasoning for the choice you've made? I never get the flu shot usually and I don't think I really want to get this one. I've read many different opinions online and heard different versions in the news as well and none seem to make me feel that getting this shot would be right. I feel like I am playing Russian roulette with my life or the baby's life by not or getting this stupid shot. If I don't I could get the flu and have major complications and die at worst but if I do get it I could be harming the baby. According to what I've read women who get shots during pregnancy show higher risks of having babies who develop autism, schizophrenia, and problems with brain development..... If I go with odds, I usually don't get sick in the winter not even with a cold. I just don't know what to do........

NortheastWifey · #2 November 3rd, 2009, 12:30 PM

I think it's a personal decision that we all have to come to terms with on our own. I got the regular flu shot last year when I was pg, but I completely understand and empathize with people who choose not to. I would call your doctor and discuss it with him/her - although most doctors will recommend that you get it, so they're not a big help if you're leaning toward not getting it.

caring21 · #3 November 3rd, 2009, 12:35 PM

Thanks, I know you're right it's a personal decision. I just don't want to make the bad choice.

*Mommy2Camden* · #4 November 3rd, 2009, 01:59 PM

I think a lot of women (including myself) were/are struggling about the decision to get or not get the vaccine. After MUCH research, my husband and I decided it would be best for me to get it. I actually went in yesterday and got the vax. I really like the fact that the baby will also be protected until he's 6 months old.

It's just one of those tough choices you have to make as a mommy I suppose.

Oreobaby · #5 November 3rd, 2009, 02:15 PM

I know here in Manitoba, they do not have a vaccine that some dr.'s feel is safe for pregnant women. The only vaccine we have here is good for everyone (although, some pregnant women are taking the chance and taking the vaccine because they feel it is important to protect their baby, and again, that is their personal choice) I will not get the H1N1 vaccine until one is approved for women who are expecting, and still then, will probably wait until I am in my second trimester before I do decide to get the shot. That is just my person choice, and it is mostly due to the fact that I have had once loss already, and worry that adding a weird vaccine to my body would increase my chances of having another loss. Hope this helps. It is defintely something you shoudl discuss with your DH or SO and decide together. Weigh out the pro's and cons.

Micksbabe · #6 November 3rd, 2009, 04:14 PM

I didn't get the H1N1 shot and I don't plan on getting it either. My DH and I both think that getting the flu is less risky then putting something in my body that they don't know the long term effects of, or how if will effect our child in the long run. Actually none of my or my DH family are getting the vaccine, but then again it may be beneficial in your situation to get it. I just don't agree with all this propoganda about an "pandemic" when 20,000 people die of normal influenza every year and most cases of H1N1 have been mild.

MommyPoky · #7 November 3rd, 2009, 05:40 PM

I can tell you what my doctor told me. He said that when you're in the later stages of pregnancy, your respiratory system is operating at about 50% capacity, because your lungs and everything are squished, and the baby is taking oxygen, blood, etc. The deaths due to the flu are not from the flu, but from respiratory complications as a result of the flu. That is why more pregnant women who are hospitalized die, their respiratory systems just can't handle the infection. He also said the h1n1 is not any more risky to pregnant women than the regular flu, because all those deaths are related to the respiratory system. I do not know if the h1n1 has a greater probability of turning into the resp. infection, but that is what he told me. (I love my doctor, he explains everything in more detail than I would ever need. He then went on to tell me how h1n1 is not as bad as the Spanish flu from the 70's, and why it was called the Spanish flu even though it originated in Kansas LOL!)

That being said, I will be getting it as soon as I can. Nowhere around here has it, even for pregnant women yet. I got the seasonal flu shot already. I am not big into flu vaccines, this is the first time I have ever gotten it, but it is the first time I have been faced with serious consequences if I don't. I usually figure, if I get the flu, I get the flu. I am in a high risk profession (I had 3 kids out sick today, don't know what they have), and I have asthma....so if anyone would end up with the flu and hospitalized, it would be me!

Good luck making your decision. I would have a harder time making the decision if I weren't 90% likely to be exposed to it. Since I will very likely come in contact with it this season, it made the decision a no brainer for me

caring21 · #8 November 3rd, 2009, 06:03 PM

Thank you all so much for your input. So far the line ups in my city are crazy people are waiting in line from 6am when the place only opens at 1 pm........ and the safe vax will only be available by mid november so I guess I'll wait and speak with my Doctor on Thursday.

Gray_baby · #9 November 4th, 2009, 06:25 AM

My doc said pretty much what Wendy's did - she told me if I have flu like symptoms at this stage they would admit me instead of just sending me home due to my decreased lung capacity.

I've already gotten the regular flu shot and plan on getting the H1N1 shot as soon as the hospital here has it available (so far they have only released it to young children in the highest risk group). Until then I'm avoiding sick people and washing my hands like a crazy person.

I did a TON of research online about the H1N1 shot and talked to my doctor about my decision. There are a lot of misconceptions about the shot out there so I recommend you do some research on the CDC website and other health websites to get accurate up to date info.

Everyone has to do what they think is best. Good luck!

Jarheadwed · #10 November 5th, 2009, 08:56 PM

One of my friends is an MD, doing her L&D rotation at her hospital. I talked to her and my own OB, both of whom feel its safe and in the woman's best interest. I am getting mine tomorrow. I am not concerned about side effects, short or long term.

Futuremommy1 · #11 November 5th, 2009, 09:29 PM

Just lurking from TTC #1 and wanted to add that a family member of mine is 9 months pregnant, as well as a doctor, and she got the vaccine recently. She said a lot of the same stuff regarding lung capacity when you are further along in pregnancy. She also went on to say that healthy people who are not pregnant, really shouldn't worry themselves too much over it... Because it is very close to the regular flu. HTH

caring21 · #12 November 6th, 2009, 08:54 AM

I'm still on the fence. I only see my doctor on Monday morning, Thursday night's was delayed. Right now I took the decision that I would wait for the adjuvent free. I've had problems with antibiotics though, so I have to wait until I see my Doctor to see if the adjuvent free will be safe for me first because it contains antibiotics. I'm really trying to not worry about this and washing my hands as often as possible.

MommaLee · #13 November 6th, 2009, 01:16 PM

This is just my personal opinion but I won't get it. There is so much controversy about what is actually in the vaccine AND the people who are pushing for the vaccinations are the people who will benefit most (monetarily) - the pharmaceutical companies and their stakeholders.

There was also an injunction filed by healthcare workers (doctors, nurses, and other staff) in NY (I think) because they were mandated to get the vaccination. I think that action speaks for itself - if doctors, nurses, and care staff are refusing to get the vaccination - there is probably a good reason why.

I will only take the medication (Tamiflu) if I get sick. Nothing more, nothing less.

(Edit - I just read Megan's response and that is right on board where we and our families are at also)

..Christine.. · #14 November 6th, 2009, 01:37 PM

I got both the H1N1 and regular- to me and my DH the risks of getting the flu and having complications outweighed the risks of the vaccine. I feel better knowing I'm protected from it- but I do agree it's a very personal decision.

Jlynn · #15 November 6th, 2009, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TexasAgs

This is just my personal opinion but I won't get it. There is so much controversy about what is actually in the vaccine AND the people who are pushing for the vaccinations are the people who will benefit most (monetarily) - the pharmaceutical companies and their stakeholders.

There was also an injunction filed by healthcare workers (doctors, nurses, and other staff) in NY (I think) because they were mandated to get the vaccination. I think that action speaks for itself - if doctors, nurses, and care staff are refusing to get the vaccination - there is probably a good reason why.

I will only take the medication (Tamiflu) if I get sick. Nothing more, nothing less.

(Edit - I just read Megan's response and that is right on board where we and our families are at also)

I agree
plus there hasn't been any studies done on the side effects for pregnant women. I heard a sad story about a lady who MCed after getting the swine flu vaccine.

I have done tons of research. DAYS worth and I would never get it or let my daughter get it.

Here is a link full of good info.
http://www.justmommies.com/forums/f3...on-thread.html (~~~ The H1N1/Swine Flu Vaccine Information Thread ~~~)

Good luck with your choice.

samspain · #16 November 7th, 2009, 04:45 AM

My Dh works in the hospital laboratory and has already had it, if I was pg I would get it straight away (here in spain there is a weaker version (that doesnt contaion the live virus) just for pg women).
Ana cant have the vax till 8kg, so at her growthrate (slow but sure!!) she will be a year old!!

I have never had normal flu so either I have a great immune system, or I will get h1n1 the first time it hits our town!

~* Liss *~ · #17 November 7th, 2009, 03:39 PM

I got the vaccine yesterday. In Canada we have just released one w/o the adjuvant that is available for pregnant women. DH also got the vaccine as he wants to protect me and our gummy bear. Our vaccine does not contain any live viruses. I have felt (and don't expect to feel) any ill effects of the vaccine except for a slight sore arm.

We felt that the H1N1 has been going around alot here already and we wanted to protect our family.

I will not push it on others - it's a very personal choice.

caring21 · #18 November 9th, 2009, 06:52 AM

Well I just got back from my Doctor's appointment and she was very clear. I must get the vax, and she says it's ok that I wanted to wait for the adjuvent free one. She also believes we'll be facing this issue for a least another 6 months and with christmas parties coming around I should protect myself. I decided I'm going to get it. She said if I did get the flu that they would prescribe Tamiflu which isn't that effective and has not been tested on pregnant women either, which is exactly what I had read. In this case, I'm going to trust her advice and get vaccinated. I will also ask my loved ones to do the same just so we can protect our little guy when he gets here!

Jlynn · #19 November 10th, 2009, 09:40 PM

A doctor is ALWAYS going to tell you to get the vax.

Please be aware that the vax is linked to many miscarriages. Here are some stories

Shocking H1N1 Swine Flu Vaccine Miscarriage Stories From Pregnant Women – Tell Your Doctors That Vaccines And Pregnancy Do Not Mix! | ORGANIC HEALTH

~* Liss *~ · #20 November 11th, 2009, 06:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jlynn

A doctor is ALWAYS going to tell you to get the vax.

Please be aware that the vax is linked to many miscarriages. Here are some stories

Shocking H1N1 Swine Flu Vaccine Miscarriage Stories From Pregnant Women � Tell Your Doctors That Vaccines And Pregnancy Do Not Mix! | ORGANIC HEALTH

My GP told me that he DID NOT recommend the vax... my OB, however, did. The vaccine is different in each country that it's produced...

There is a lot of controversy about it - both sides. It's a very very touchy subject.