flu shot??

[BRAND]

IS ANYONE PLANNING ON GETTING A FLU SHOT?  I HAVE A 5 YEAR OLD IN SCHOOL AND WAS THINKING I SHOULD.  THEIR IS TWO KINDS. ONE WITH MERCURY IN IT THAT EVERYONE GETS AND ONE WITHOUT THERMASOL FOR INFANTS AND PREGNANT WOMEN.  I CAN'T FIND ANY WHERE TO GET THE MERCURY FREE ONE.  MY DOCTOR SAID I SHOULD GET ONE AND DOES NOT SEEMED CONCERNED ABOUT THE MERCURY.

[Tarobinc]

At the hospital that I work at they gave me the Thimerosal-free shot.  I got the flu shot two days ago. If I had not gotten the shot, I would have to sign a form stating I knew that I could spread the flu and that I am also not allowed within 3 feet of patient unless I wear a mask.  Which is next to impossible since patients are all over the hospital.  I would basically have to wear a mask if I left my desk since I work right outside the NICU.   We were given green tags to wear with our ID that shows we have gotten the flu shot.

My midwife also confirmed that the protection that I get is passed onto my baby. Also, that the shot does not protect me from other "influenza-like" illnesses that are caused by other viruses.

I realize this flu shot is only good to protect against the most common strains that were around last flu season and that it takes almost 2wks for the protection to develop but the protection lasts a year.  

[bbduke]

I agree with Nikko.  I will not get a flu shot.  I got one 3 years ago and ended up in the hospital for 5 days.  I will never get a flu shot again.  When you really find out what ingredients are in the flu shot,it's scary.   It's a personal choice for each person, but it is a no- brainer for me.

[BRAND]

I also work in the hospital and am being encouraged to get one.  The article states pregnant women should get the flu shot and little proof is shown that the mercury actually harms anything.  To get the terosomol or mercury free shot is near impossible every place I have checked even my ob office only have one kind available for everyone.

[Tarobinc]

Here is a link for a study on how immunity can pass to  your baby:  It was sent to me by a friend and I have not really checked it out.  So, read with a questioning mind.
http://content.nejm.org/cgi/reprint/NEJMoa0708630v1.pdf

This link is from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on the flu:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/

Information is power!  Im not trying to start a debate, just wanted to put information out there.  Its a personal choice and I respect each person's decicision as to whether or not have the vaccine.  
Since I work in a hospital, I want to get the flu vaccine. However, Im going to run this by my OB first.  

[nikko*ttc]

I am so not getting a flu shot even if my doc tells me too. I have had the flu shot three times. Each year I had one I got the flu, when I haven't had it, I did not get it. I do want to caution and let you guys know, that the flu shot is usually manufactured to fight a specific strain if the strain that presents is not the one that you were given the shot for it won't work. Also, I catch everything and share with my family too. Last year DD who also had a flu shot got the flu from school and brought it home. She was down for about 7 days and I got it right after she did. I ended up missing two weeks of work. The way the flu shot works from my understanding is that you are infecting yourself with a mini-version of the flu and that your immune system fights it off and that is how you avoid getting a full blown case. Well, apparently even the mini-version is too much for my poor body. So, I am adamantly against the flu shot. It stinks and never does the job for me.

[rachie204]

i forgot to ask as well..i go back on the 15th and will see what he says

[lilpixie]

This is something I was wondering about as well... my doc didnt say anything about it at my last appoitnment.  I ment to ask but forgot.  I go back in on the 24th, Im going to ask about it then.

[Cheesecake7]

I too was advised to get a flu shot, Ill be getting it from my OB at my next appt. in two weeks

[Kash12]

My Dr advised me to get a flu shot.. didn't say which one. But she is giving me a flu shot in my next appnt.