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Avatar universal

Has anyone had a flu vaccination?

Hi everyone.

I'm in the UK. The NHS now recommends that all pregnant women have a flu jab. The midwife told me it was safe, but I'm hesitating because I don't like the idea of doing anything I don't need to. She told me the risk from flu was tiny but a small number of women had had serious problems in the past (like 7 in 10,000 pregnancies) and therefore it's better took be safe than sorry.

This is my second pregnancy in six months - first ended in miscarriage. I've had a lot of pregnancy symptoms this time but otherwise feel healthy and haven't caught any of the numerous bugs that have been circulating this winter. I'm just nervous about doing anything when this far it seems to be going okay!

I'd be really grateful to hear from anyone who's had a vaccination and what it was like e.g. did it make you sick, any impact on your pregnancy.

Thank you!
12 Responses
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1701959 tn?1488551541
I had the flu shot for sure, also protects baby once born. I didn't have any side effects.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I always got the flu shot until I got pregnant.  This is the only time I refuse the shot because of the other substances and chemicals that are in the vaccination, I did not want to take any chances since even the tiniest of toxins can cause serious damage to a fetus, they have not studied these vaccinations in pregnant women or fetuses, even the manufacturer warning on the label says it's unknown if it's safe in pregnant women or babies under a few months old, let alone a fetus. Those are the scientific facts we know to date.  No studies have ever been done.  I know it's not popular. I take extra precautions however while I'm pregnant and I'm at very low risk for catching the flu so not everyone can do that. Otherwise I get the shot every year when I'm not pregnant and never had any side effects.  Also keep in mind the flu shot only protects you from 3-4 strains of the flu, and they guess which ones are going to be most common that year.  You can still get the flu from other strains that are not included in the immunization.  
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Avatar universal
I had my flu jab, had a little pain in my arm for two days but that was all. Then a few days later I came down with a cold. But I work In Residential care looking after the elderly, and where the staff and residents were coming down with bad flu symptoms I just had mild cold symptoms that went after a couple days of early nights and lots of warm fluids
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
My first pregnancy (6 years ago) I refused the flu shot, got the "H1N1" flu at 38 weeks which landed me in the hospital for 5 days and on the 6th day went into labor. I was unable to breastfeed and all my visitors and nurses had to wear masks, including dad. Not fun whatsoever. This time around I got the flu shot for sure.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I'm in the US and have gotten the flu shot with my first two pregnancies with no issues or side effects but simply opted not to do it with this my third baby also had no issues or problems due to not getting it. I think the choice is really up to you.....
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Definitely get it.  There is good evidence that flu in pregnancy is worse so protect your baby and yourself! I get it every year and you sometimes get a sore arm and feel under the weather for a couple of days but nothing like real flu. Hope all goes well with your pregnancy  xL
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Avatar universal
I recommend it. My whole family was sick and I was the only one that had mild symptoms instead of the full blown sickness. For me that is huge!!! Even my husband was really sick, and he is usually the one that gets by without it. I say get it!
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Avatar universal
I'm in US. Got my flu shot a few months ago. Was very easy, no side effects.
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Avatar universal
I got it too.
Helpful - 0
10720243 tn?1415582269
Here in the USA its always been recommended. I've gotten it with both pregnancies.
I know women who refused the vaccine and got the flu while pregnant, landed them in the hospital because of how severe it can get and how it can risk your babies life. I'd say get it. Its better to have some sort of immunity than none at all.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am in the UK and had it, but I also have asthma and a weakened immune system due to medication for inflammatory bowel disease so I need it for those too. I'm not gonna lie i felt dodgy after and slept for 3 hours but I wasn't feeling too well when I had it!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi- I'm in the U.K. as well.
I've had the flu jab with both of my pregnancies. I really recommend them. Didn't make me feel ill at all, just made my arm a little bit sore for an hour or so. It's protecting both you and your baby- if you get the flu then it puts strain on your baby too!
You should also get the whooping cough vaccine which protects your baby.
Although don't forget- it's entirely up to you. Good luck x
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Thank you - I really appreciate this. Very reassuring.
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