H1N1 vaccine

[omoperh]

Hello All,

Is there risk in taking the vaccine for swine flu when your pregnant?

[omoperh]

Thanks for all the information these really helps a lot of pregnant women out there.I did not take the vaccine as of yet since I am going to have a cerclage done this coming Nov 26.Once everything is in placed.I will weigh my options then I will decide.I have no problem taking the shots my only concern is the effects this will cause to my baby a long the way.If its just for me and I am not pregnant no problem.

[rubyinparadise]

I attended a vaccination seminar on Saturday morning with Laura Feder, M.D. She is a pediatrician and she is also trained in homeopathy who has written a couple of books on vaccinations and natural baby care.

It was an excellent presentation, very balanced between allopathic and holistic medicine. She does not advise her patients one way or another on vaccinations for themselves or their babies. If they want vaccination shots, she administers them along with homeopathic medicines to help mitigate any side effects.

However, she did talk about the very real dangers of thimerosol and squalene within the H1N1 vaccine.

If I felt the need, I would strongly consider getting vaccinated-- e.g. if I had asthma, or if my 88 year old grandma lived in my house, I might do it for her sake. I personally do not feel the need. I would strongly encourage you to look into the effects of mercury, aluminum, and squalene from *reputable* sources before you proceed. Just my $.02. It's a very personal choice.

[piggy2]

I work in a hospital (in acute care) and I got mine 2 weeks ago!  Thimerasol free.  I feel like a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders.  I cannot never leave my house, nor not visit the grocery store so I'm glad I did, although getting the vaccine does not make you immune to getting the H1N1- you all know that, right?  Same goes for the regular flu shot. I did my research and talked to friends (some MD's ) and feel I made the right choice.  I would recommend to all of those considering to get your facts, go with your head and heart and stop listening to people with "chicken little" stories about the sky is falling.  Oh, and I want to add, most of my nursing friends who were saying this and that bout the vaccine were also in line to get it when it came around.  guess they weighed their odds too.....  

I can't wait until this flu season is over!!!

[mommyin10]

Hi.  I got my seasonal flu shot almost 4 weeks ago (at approx 16 weeks pregnant) and didn't have any side effects other than a sore arm for about a week. Thanks, adgal, for all your input re: H1N1! :)  I think in comparing hoping4_2's situation with adgal & my own situation, you can see it really is a personal decision for each of us.  I work in a courthouse in a big city & come in contact with people every day who are sick with God knows what...  Inmates, walk-ins, other employees...  After trying so hard to keep myself healthy by washing my hands, avoiding sick people, etc., I ended up with a cold that lasted for 3 weeks!  After that, I was afraid I'd quickly catch the flu as soon as someone showed up with that.  So, I decided to get the H1N1 as soon as my ob/gyn's office got it in, which was this past week.  I got my shot Friday after work & have had no side effects; and unlike the flu shot, I didn't even have any soreness.  I just feel so relieved that I can rest more comfortably now at work & by the time the holidays come around, I won't be secluded in my home =)  Best wishes to each of us in our own personal decisions =)

[Ecologic]

I am 13 weeks pregnant and was finally vaccinated for the swine flu 2 days ago: no side effects all. Whereas for the seasonal flu vaccine one month ago, I had become extremely nauseated (used to be nauseated as well with flu vaccines when not pregnant).

I got the vaccine with mercury (thimerosal), my OB-Gyn told me the risk is very small on the fetus and as a scientist, I believed her.

For me getting the vaccine was a no-brainer: pregnant, I travel by plane almost every week and come into contact with people working in hospitals; I just wished I could have had access to this vaccine sooner.

[adgal]

I had it about 10 days ago and I have not had any side effects whatsoever.  I did have a sore arm for a day or two, but the injection is intramuscular, so not surprising.  We are seeing an increase in cases of H1N1 in Calgary, and the organization I work for is starting to see staff away for it as well.  I saw my OB yesterday and she commented that there are a number of cases of very very ill pregnant women in our local hospital's.  I am very very glad I made the decision I did.  My baby is kicking up a storm and I got a clean bill of health yesterday for both of us at my 28 week appointment.  

[omoperh]

Hi,

How was the flu shot?Please let us know.

[adgal]

I thought a lot about this post today. I truly hope I am not coming across as telling anyone they should have this vaccine.  I really believe everyone should make the decision best for themselves and their families and I would never want to try to convince someone differently.  I just want to make sure people are basing their decisions on facts.  There is so much crazy info and theories floating around out there, so make sure your info is coming from a credible source, and always consult with your Dr.  If you feel you can't trust your Dr. it's time to switch.  Don't take mine or anyone else's advice or opinion.  And try to stay away from all those scary stories.  I had my seasonal flu vaccine today and am having my H1N1 later this week (with thermisol).  Wish me luck!!!

[dot247]

thanks for all the info adgal you have definately given me something to think about.  I appreciate your dedication to this site as I am sure many others do you give great advice!

[adgal]

In keeping with this post, I thought I would post a conversation I just had.  Our medical clinic at work just called me. As they are part of the Provincial Pandemic Planning Commitee, they are updated daily on CDC recommendations, etc. H1N1 vaccine (with thermisol) has become available in our city today, so here is the latest.  Pregnant women over 20 weeks should go ahead and get the regular vaccine.  Thermisol free will not be available (here anyway) for at least 2 more weeks.  The risk for pregnant women is highest in the 3rd trimester, so they are suggesting we not wait for it.  They have also recommended we get the seasonal flu vaccine at the same time.  For women under 20 weeks pregnant, they are recommending that you wait for the thermisol free to come out. Now, keep in mind that I work in a high risk area...I am hands on with our cities homeless population and am in and out of our local shelters on at least a weekly basis.  So for me, the risk of exposure to H1N1 is very high.  There is no way around it short of leaving my job, which is not an option quite yet.  So, I will be following the recommendations and getting the H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccine in the next day or two.  Again, don't go on my word, I am not a medical professional. Speak to your own Dr., get the facts and make your own decision.  I just felt I should share what I learned today.  Good luck everyone, and stay healthy.

[blessedmomof3]

I think it's a personal choice for everyone. I don't work so, I'm home alot anyway. I am just as scared of the shot as I am of the Swine Flu. So, I decided I would not get the shot and am just staying home alot and out of large crowds. I am also using alot of Lysol around the house and keeping all the bed sheets changed and cleaned. When the kids come home from school they have to take showers and change clothes right away. My house is so sterile.....LOL Everytime I do a load of laundry I even go wash my hands between loads. I might be over doing it, but I feel like it's better than under doing it. However, if I worked in a public place or around lots of people I would probly consider the vaccine. Do your homework and make your own decision. Only you know what is best for you.

[mamom15]

I agree with adgal.  So far, I have taken the regular flu shot and had a tough time finding a place with thermisol free vaccine, finally I did.  When I shared this info with my Ob she said that the amount of mervcury is so negligent that it should not be concern.  I She compared it to eating salmon.  The risks of death from H1N1 for pregnant women is 6 times higher.  So I am definitely taking the shot

[rubyinparadise]

Since thimerisol has now been linked to autism, I would not take a vaccination that has any amount of thimerisol in it. YMMV.

http://www.naturalnews.com/026953_thimerosal_autism_mercury.html

[adgal]

There is a version coming available that is thermisol free and is recommended for pregnant moms.  However, the level of thermisol in the regular vaccine is very mild, so it's really just an extra precaution.  I would talk to your Dr. who can help you decide which is the best choice for you.  Good luck with your IVF!!!!  How exciting!

[AliceW]

Is it true that there's a different version of both flu vaccines intended for pregnant women, that are considered "milder" or "safer" in some way?

I'd like to make sure I'm vaccinated before starting IVF process next month, but of course I wouldn't qualify yet for the alternative vaccines, if those are out there.

[adgal]

The medical advice I was given was exactly the opposite. Both my OB and the Dr.'s I work with (we are also a medical facility at work) advised me strongly to get the vaccine.  Although it is true it has not yet been thoroughly tested, the protocols are the same as the seasonal flu vaccine which has been proven safe.  Don't believe the rumours that the flu vaccine carries the live virus.  It is true that the mist does contain a bit of live virus, but the vaccine is actually a dead dna strand.

Its all a matter of weighing risk vs. benefit.  There is no medication or vaccine in existance that some will not have a negative reaction to. Everything comes with possible side effects.  However, H1N1 has been shown to be particularly hard on pregnant women and young children, so to me, it is worth the small risk of getting the vaccine vs. the high risk of getting this flu.     Make sure you are getting the facts as you will hear a tonne of false information and conspiracy theories around this flu and the vaccine.  Then make a good decision for yourself. Personally, I will be getting it.  Not the mist, but the actual vaccine.  

[dot247]

My doctor told me the regular flu shot is fine but he is not recommending the Swine Vaccine to his patients because there soes not seem to be very many clinical trials.  My sister is a nurse at Johns Hopkins she advised me not to get the vaccine for me or my daughter because there are not many clinical trials published about the vaccine just keep washing!