Flu shot anyone?

[Samaranoff]

I'm due April 22 and my next appt is Wednesday. My OB "highly recommended" I get the flu shot at this appt. Just wondering if anyone has any thoughts/past experiences to share. I haven't read anything negative online in regards to getting one and the CDC site recommends it as well. Ultimately it's what I choose, but always appreciate extra input :) thanks!

[luckyone41815]

I've never gotten a flu shot and my job offers it every year.. I'm 15 weeks and I know it's recommended but I'd rather not take any chances.

[mamajack]

Yes, I recently got my flu vac.  The QIV/TIV is safe for pregnancy.  If you do end up getting the flu, the fevers and increased temp change can be very harmful to your baby.

[SunandMoon08]

I wouldn't get it. My chikd5 isn't vaccinated.  My first. I would do a lot a lot of research before making that decision.  Just a couple of years ago this was not recommended nor suggested. Do your research you will thank yourself.

[ericaponder]

I got mine highly recommended by my doc

[niki137]

I have gotten a flu shot every year for the past 10 or 15 yrs. Only 1 time have I had mild body aches and a low grade fever from it. My arm always gets always little sore, but other shots (tetanus/whooping cough) are much worse. The flu would be horrible if your pregnant, since you can't take any medications and having a high fever can be bad for the baby.

[jlkmom]

When you get the flu shot, your body is supposed to respond the same way it does when you get the flu so that it remembers so that if you do get the flu you can kick it's butt with relatively few or no symptoms. Some people's body will still respond strongly to the flu shot, it's supposed to be so mild you don't notice but everyone's body( and immune system) is different. It also takes a couple weeks for the full immune system reaction and memory cells to be produced and create immunity- so you can still get the real flu during that time. Also, it only protects against the most common strains, there are too many to immunize against all of them. It does help though, if you actually got the flu it would be much much worse. Has anyone else in your family had the immunization? That might help determine how you would react to the shot but not always. Everyone is different, most people have no issues and it if you're one of them it can be a life saver!

[Samaranoff]

I've gotten it in years past because my employer offered it for free. I work in the early childhood field so it can be a plus that my immunity is built yet a downfall because I'm exposed more easily and more often. Either way, I'm leaning more towards getting it but still have slight doubts.

[momma2bee2015]

Iv never gotten it my whole life. And iv also never had the flu. Highly recommended or not i wont start getting it now. But thats just me.

[bigmama86]

Im due April 22 too :) I got mine last week not only because my doctor recommended it but, last year i got the flu for the first time ever and it was horrible. i was in bed for a week and even after i didnt feel right for weeks after. I cant imagine getting it while pregnant!My arm hurt for about 2 days but thats it! Good luck!

[katie_1989]

My OB has recommended i get it too. I am going to because i feel like he knows what is best. But like you said it is up to you. Ive gotten them before i was pregnant and they always worked for me with no side effects.  ive read a lot of comments both supporting and opposing the flu shot but everyone gets their own opinion. Good luck :)