H1N1 Vaccination - to get it or not?

[Anonymous]

I would, and will, get it. If you had to choose one, don't get seasonal. But swine flu is definitely effecting pregnant women in a serious way. I remember the case of the woman in Texas dying, thank God her baby lived. Your lungs are already so taxed and your immunity is down because of the baby, you truly are more at risk for swine flu.

I suggest everyone read the recent Radar piece that was posted here regarding vaccines. I used to be very wary of thimerosol, but I am less afraid of it after reading the piece. Certainly, under most circumstances, I wait for the thim-free shots. But in this case, the risk of swine flu is not theoretical. It is all around us, right now. Everyone will either get it or get the vaccine within the next couple of years, according to my doc. It is worth it to help yourself (and your baby) by getting the shot.

Good luck everyone stay safe!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think you should go with the numbers, not instinct. While it is unlikely that something tragic is going to happen, the risk of getting sick from the flu is real and some children will get hospitalized or die from it. Contrary to what some people believe, influenza vaccines, with or without thimerosal have a tremendous safety record. Over a billion doses have been provided, and only 293 injury claims have been made, in the last twenty-one years, against influenza vaccines. As for thimerosal, the health claims against it have not panned out. Nevertheless, you have two rational options: get a thimerosal-free one (I have heard posters getting that) or accept it and know that it may be the only shot he'll have to get with it, since the regular pediatric vaccines are all preservative free.

I'd be curious to see where you found that statistic?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would, and will, get it. If you had to choose one, don't get seasonal. But swine flu is definitely effecting pregnant women in a serious way. I remember the case of the woman in Texas dying, thank God her baby lived. Your lungs are already so taxed and your immunity is down because of the baby, you truly are more at risk for swine flu.

I suggest everyone read the recent Radar piece that was posted here regarding vaccines. I used to be very wary of thimerosol, but I am less afraid of it after reading the piece. Certainly, under most circumstances, I wait for the thim-free shots. But in this case, the risk of swine flu is not theoretical. It is all around us, right now. Everyone will either get it or get the vaccine within the next couple of years, according to my doc. It is worth it to help yourself (and your baby) by getting the shot.

Good luck everyone stay safe!

Can you point to what that is?

[Anonymous]

I think it's more dangerous to get the flu than the shot. H1N1 is widespread.
I think on this one you have to trust the history of the flu shot being safe during pregnancy. Remember this vaccine is the same as the usual flu shot - same ingredients, same process - just a new version of the virus.

I hope you get the shot.