Whose getting the H1N1 vaccine??? And whose not..???

[Suzan1975]

Pregnant Moms,

I know there has been alot of studies/facts going around this past while surrounding the anticipated H1N1 vaccine that is to hit Canada in the coming weeks ahead in November and also in the USA in 2 weeks time..

I know some of you may have had the flu shot in the past with previous pregnancies...But I was wondering what your take is on this news of this upcoming H1N1 pandemic that they are prediciting to hit this flu season...

Also I know what in my heart and mind what I want to do...But logic tells me otherwise..I just wanted to get a consensus as to what you all are feeling about this...

Thanks so much!

Return to Poll

10%

 (3) 

No-You are still undecided...

46%

 (13) 

No- You are definitely not getting the vaccine due to insufficient studies on the side effects to unborn baby

42%

 (12) 

Yes- I am getting the vaccine

28 Members voted

[adgal]

Here is why I voted yes, I will be getting it:

I work in an area with increased risk of exposure.  It is almost certain I will come in contact with both the regular flu and H1N1.  With any vaccine, medication or medical treatment there is a risk. Some will always react adversely to any of these things.  You have to look at your personal situation and weigh the risk vs. the benefit.  In my case, the benefit of getting both vaccines far outweigh the risk associated with not getting it.  Don't misunderstand me, I am not trying to convince anyone else one way or the other.  But in my case, after asking many medical professionals many many questions, I have come to the conclusion it is the best decision for the health of me and my baby.

[Super_sally888]

No,

because I don't believe in vaccination, except in exceptional cases.  I believe that generally vaccination can cause more problems than it cures (even considering the diseases that they protect from).  

[adgal]

Sorry, I feel the need to add a comment here...

We need to remember that none of us are Dr.s.  I would urge everyone to have this conversation with your Dr. or OB and no matter what conclusion you come to, to make sure it is an educated one. All the rest of us here can do is offer an opinion.  No offense intended here, I would just hate for anyone to make a decision like this (or any other medical decision) based on a web site.  Talk to your Dr., make sure your completely informed, then make your decision.  

[rubyinparadise]

Amanda, I totally agree with you about discussing this with your doctor, but even providers are a bit confused about the issue right now! That may be different in Canada vs. the States. Just today, my midwife, who is very well-informed, actually asked *me* what I had learned so far about H1N1 vaccinations!

In the States, there is a lot of conflicting information floating around. For example, unlike in Canada, I have heard that in the U.S. there is no current plan to offer the non-adjuvanted (ie. safer) form of the vaccine to pregnant women and children. So that is a factor in my decision not to be vaccinated-- until I hear otherwise. If I were still living in Canada, taking the subway, etc, and had access to the safer version of the vaccine, I would probably be willing to consider getting it.

[Victoria01]

I will not be taking it or giving it to my child. My OB said she would not take it if she was pregnant. There hasn't been enough testing done on it to please her. My mother, who is a RN that has been working in a VA hospital for nearly 20 years said she would not take it. The nurse practitioner and the doctor she works under said they won't take it.

For me, there has not been enough studies done on it to prove that it is safe.

The choice is a personal one. Whatever a person chooses to do it need to be done with all the facts and discussed in length with the doctor so they can make an educated decision.

[adgal]

I agree with you 100% Victoria.  I keep thinking about this post and so many others like it.  I wish I could find an old post of PamelaBees called "be your own advocate".  She said it so well!  With pregnancy, as well as any decision that impacts our health and well being, we need to research.  We need to not be afraid to seek a second or even third opinion if necessary.  We need to not be afraid to ask questions.  And we need to not make our opinions or others fact.  Some of our posts invoke strong opinions and emotion, and that is great!  Debating things is a positive and so is questioning ourselves at times.  But at the end of the day every one of us has to make the decisions that are best for us and our families, based on our situations, belief systems and of course medical advice.  And we have to be comfortable with the decision we make.  

[jesika1]

I myself will not be getting any shots espeically the H1N1 shot. Doctors are not experts on the drug... the only people that know what is in it and what It will do are the ones that created it. The doctors are paid to tell you it's safe, they get something out of it. Just like drugs.. they get samples and try to push it on you. That's how it is in the US anyway. My OB stated that if she was pregnant that she would not get the shot. The last time I've had the flew was 10 or more years ago and I will make sure It stays that way and continue to do the ole natural way. I know people who are sick all the time now and they have admitted to me that ever since they had the flu shot they've been constantly sick where as before they were much healthier and hardly ever got a cold. I will take my chances and not drugs drugs that our bodies are not designed to really take. People die from drugs that the FDA approve everyday and you all want to TRUST that the drug is safe? But at the end of the day everyone has the right to make their own decision and  whatever decision they make they will have to live with. That's what I love about free speech and this forum, you can voice your opinion and people listen and then make a choice for what is best for them.

[jenstam]

I was just listening to NPR last night and there was a public health advocate on stating that Canada has done a study in BC, I believe, that proves that people who had the regular flu vaccination are more susceptible to H1N1! They aren't sure why but they are currently looking for a medical journal to print these findings and that Canada is changing their policy on who gets the flu vaccine as a result. Has anyone else heard this?

[jenstam]

Here is the article:
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2009/09/23/flu-shots-h1n1-seasonal.html

[adgal]

Yeah, it's on the news here in Alberta as well.  I asked about it at out Pandemic planning meeting yesterday. Basically it is being met with a fair amount of skepticism.  It has not been peer reviewed yet, however they are seriously looking at it.  As it stands today, both vaccines are still being recommended. We receive the regular flu vaccine in about 2 weeks and the H1N1 should be available here mid November.  It was suggested that we have them about 1 month apart. I guess it's a wait and see right now...they are studying it.  

[JourneyJoJo]

It's my understanding that Ontario & Quebec have changed their plan to offer the seasonal flu vaccine first and then the H1N1 vaccine and have put people who had the seasonal flu shot last year as a priority over those who have not (pregnant women and children are still a priority).

It is also important to know that of the 6 pregnant women in the US whom they believe died from H1N1 died from complications associated with respiratory problems subsequent to pneumonia.  They do not indicate whether or not these particular women had a history of respiratory illness.

For me, I will apply this information by ensuring that the second I start to show flu-like symptoms (if I show symptoms), that I will be contacting my doctor immediately and getting medical intervention as required.  I'm also taking other means including staying away from crowded places, etc, but I am fortunate in that I don't work with the public.  If I was working with children or in a medical facility, it would be a much more difficult decision for me and I would probably seriously consider it and not take the risk.

Here is part of the abstract from the original study that sparked the controversey and was published in the Lancet (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19643469):

From April 15 to May 18, 2009, 34 confirmed or probable cases of pandemic H1N1 in pregnant women were reported to CDC from 13 states. 11 (32%) women were admitted to hospital. The estimated rate of admission for pandemic H1N1 influenza virus infection in pregnant women during the first month of the outbreak was higher than it was in the general population (0.32 per 100 000 pregnant women, 95% CI 0.13-0.52 vs 0.076 per 100 000 population at risk, 95% CI 0.07-0.09). Between April 15 and June 16, 2009, six deaths in pregnant women were reported to the CDC; all were in women who had developed pneumonia and subsequent acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring mechanical ventilation. INTERPRETATION: Pregnant women might be at increased risk for complications from pandemic H1N1 virus infection. These data lend support to the present recommendation to promptly treat pregnant women with H1N1 influenza virus infection with anti-influenza drugs. FUNDING: US CDC.

[lcgnyc]

I discussed with my doctor yesterday, a maternal-fetal OB/GYN, and she recommended both flu and H1N1 without reservation.  She added that in NY a special formula isprovided to pregnant women that contains only trace amounts of mercury (as compared to higher levels for general population, I guess).  Living in the NYC region and taking public transportation nearly everywhere, I'm concerned about the viruses. It's a personal decision, most definitely.

[reikigurl]

what is it that is making ppl allergic to the vaccine

[oceanv]

Oops, I voted then realized that I don't know if i count because I'm not pregnant anymore, but they're recommending it for parents of newborns....

I voted yes, I have to admit though that I was awfully glad I didn't have to make the decision while pregnant (good timing on my part thankfully).
J

[aelis]

Yes, in fact, I was vaccinated more than a week ago here in KS. Both my ob/gyn and dr recommended it, moreover, my husband tested positive for H1N1 the day after I got my shot and at school where I work there have been many cases of students and staff with the flu. Now I'm riddled with doubts, but I bet I would anyway, not matter what might choice had been.

[slippinandsliddin]

Just got back from getting mine. Can't just get it from my doctor.

WAITED at clinic 3 hours- and it was supposed to be targeted groups only and those who live in our county- they were going by the honor system. It was freezing- we had to wait outside. I am still shaking from the cold. (Gotta get someone to hold your spot so you can use the restroom.) I think the target groups should have not only included pregnant women- but those in their household. (My partner can't get it.)

My real vent- and flame away at me- is how concerned can you be for your health if you are going to suck down 2 packs of cigs while waiting in line???

I shouldn't complain because the shot was free- but I say give all the CHILDREN THE NASAL spray- PLEAAAASSSSE! There was just a massive amount of screaming/fighting/biting kids. Poor things.

Sorry myv hormones are getting the best of me. I am just glad it is over with ... :0

[slippinandsliddin]

Well- I just wanted to add that luck me- I am one of the 8% who got the fever/chills/aches/headache ... from the shot. My fever was 101 degrees- but down this morning. (I got double teamed- cause the teen in the house gave me his stuffy nose/cough.)

I was also feeing dizzy- hourse ... and my heartrate was just about double what it was- after being in bed lying down a few hours. So- I almost went to the ER.

I did some research and took some IBUPROFEN last night so I could sleep. (I guess acetaminophen would be better- but I shouldnt take it because of my liver- long story.)

You can read more about potential side effects of the shot (PG women should not ahve the spray) at the CDC Web site.

Now don't get me wrong- I would still do it again ... ack- being pregnant and being sick is NO FUN.

[adgal]

I got mind day before yesterday. We are having the same problem here, huge line ups and it's only available at a few places. We got lucky though, they opened up one additional place just for high risk.  DH has not been able to get it yet, but we are hoping next week some time.  I have no side effects at all except stiffness in the arm they adminestered it in.  Thermisol/adjvent free is not available here yet, so I got the regular one.  My Dr. said if you are over 20 weeks, it's fine.  I am so relieved.  We have a few hospitilized pregnant ladies here, and I do not want to get this flu.  Good luck all in whatever you decide.

[slippinandsliddin]

Just an FYI that if you do get an adverse reaction you can fill out a reporting form off the CDC Web site- which is what I just did.

[Heather5]

They just got the shots at my obgyn's office, so I just had mine done this afternoon. No side effects yet, but it's only been a little over an hour...

Man, I'm so happy I don't have to deal with the lines, though. I can't believe they make some pregnant women go through that! Doesn't seem like it's the best way of dealing with it...at all!

-----------

slippinandslidin: They made me read this paper before getting the shot, and I remember reading about those side effects (I believe they were in the "rare" category). Did you talk to your doctor about it?

[slippinandsliddin]

i was never given- neither was any of the thousands that I saw- given a paper on the side effects.

[adgal]

Yeah, we got that sheet as well.  Are you feeling any better? I think they are supposed to pass fairly quickly.  A day or two.  Hope you are feeling better quickly.

[worriedmummy5]

Hi. I'm from Australia where we experienced the swine flu during our winter this year.
My daughter was even thought to have it - I was 4 and 1/2 months preg at the time. I'm now 32 weeks preg. I was offered the shot a few weeks ago when it became free here for pregnant mums. I said NO. My reason being that with everything else they offer pregnant mums it is backed by years of research. Even my slow acting insulin had to be changed to one that was 'better known' due to not enough research yet to be 100% sure - eventhough many use the other insulin. Then how much research has been done on this new vaccine?????
It was easy living here in the middle of the pandemic keeping away from coughing people, medical facilities insisted on people wearing face masks in public places - you just have to be sensible. If you want to get it then that's your decision - but I need a bit more research behind a product before I inflict it on my unborn child.
People worry about hair dyes and drinking caffeine during pregnancy but are intending on taking this shot!!!???
Worriedmummy5

[adgal]

I am beginning to feel like a broken record here, but I have to continue to reiterate.  The protocols and ingredients in this vaccine are the same as the seasonal flu vaccine which has been proven safe and is recommended for pregnant women.  The do not test and test the seasonal vaccine every year, they just change the DNA strand (which is dead) to match whatever changes the flu has gone through every year.  The risk is extremely minimal.  Research and testing can take 1 1/2 years to complete, so if they tested every single year, we would never be up to date on the current flu as it mutates every single year.  So unless you have had adverse reactions to seasonal flu vaccine, you are pretty safe with this one.  Yes, I did take this vaccine.  We know for certain that this flu is hitting pregnant women hard.  Choose not to take it, that is fine, but please ensure you have researched from credible sources, not sources that feed into fear and paranoia.

[piggy2]

I work in a hospital.  I walk the hallways with H1N1 pts behind the closed doors.  I've seen the chest x-rays of 40 something women with it.  (not very encouraging)   count yourself lucky you did not get it.  Only 1% of the US population is pregnant, yet the total percentage of pregnant people making up the swine flu population is 6%.  Of the 100 pregnant women who were hospitalized, 28 died.  (source: 60 min. on ABC aired last week. Should be in archives)

How can you NOT consider protecting your baby?  If you do happen to get it and it is really bad, (fever, infections, etc) what are you  exposing your baby to there?

certainly, I would only take the vaccine if I felt comfortable.  I don't feel comfortable about people "being sensible" and taking responsibility and wearing masks.  People come in all the time sick, exposing everyone else.  It is just incredible.  At least we can say there is a choice, thank g*d for that!

[slippinandsliddin]

Yes- I am feeling better- but I still have the chest congestion/cough/stuffy nose/sneezing -compliments of the teen in the house. I am still a bit achy- head hurts- rapid heartbeat. Yesterday- WAS AWFUL!

On the mend ...

[sherrysb]

No, I am not getting it.  I'm taking my regular vitamins, wellness pills and constantly washing my hands.

[slippinandsliddin]

Just an FYI that the VAERS people (from the reporting for on CDC web site) contacted me this morning- and wanted my OB info so they could get my records and enter into their database- HMMM

[m3lanie]

you took the shot to prevent what you are going thru now.. Seems like it made no difference since your symptoms are typical swine flu symptoms. Maybe the shot you were given was live??

[slippinandsliddin]

No ... shot had definitely had inactive virus- but my entire household is worried I could infect them. I am feeling much better now.

Hmm- when I had the flu when pg before- I was sick for two weeks- which was HORRIBLE and made me dehydrated and eventually hospitalized with early labor- asit increased my oxytocin level.

I would do it again- I just wish I looked into the side effects or was given a paper or some kind of posting at the Health Dept.

[m3lanie]

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/11/03/What-We-Have-Learned-About-the-Great-Swine-Flu-Pandemic.aspx


Please read and listen to this, it's very important to the mothers who haven't had the shot yet. Long video but worth listening to.

[slippinandsliddin]

I can't pull that up- takes too long to load.

FYI that I am speaking w/someone from the news tomorrow about what happened with me. (DP is adamant not to include his name or teen's- as feels they will be branded like they have the PLAGUE or something ...)

I am still feeling so tired/out of breath- and coughing- which I am trying to hold. AWE!

Also- wanted to add that the gma is now exhibiting flu signs- but has been on Tamiflu. A few days ago- dp told me his mom said what I did (getting the vaccine) was sooo stupid. She has underlying medical condition- so I asked him if she thought I was STUPID now. He said - well she never called you stupid- just that what you did what stupid ... we still haven't told anyone our PG news. I guess everyone can read it in the newspaper ... heehee! :p

[m3lanie]

Hun, do try to load it.. it is very important for you to listen to the video. I wish time could be reversed for you. God Bless you. Get better. hugs

[adgal]

Even once you had had the vaccine it takes anywhere from 7 to 10 days to protect you.  Seeings as how it was in the house already, I bet you caught it before the vaccine could take effect.  Hopefully it still gives you some measure of protection and helps you not get too sick with it.  I really hope you feel better soon, and your not stupid.  You made a good decision.  Take good care hon, and feel better soon.

[slippinandsliddin]

Amanda,

Thank you.

Today- I am still feeling tired- out of breath- and still coughing. (I am trying not to so much.) The GMA should be getting back her swb results any time now. I guess I feel like I am no more stupid for getting teh vaccine- than she is for not getting it and having such a risky underlying medical condition. :P

I also spoke with the reporter at the news. They seem to be compiling data/report on people in the area that have been touched by this bug. AND YES- no protection for like 7-10 days after vaccine is something I want people to remember. IF YOU GET sick within that time frame- YOU COULD HAVE IT and be passing it on.