flu shot

[Anonymous]

Anyone know of a place that is now giving flu shots to pregnant women? I tried at Safeway and they wouldn't do it without a doctor's prescription -- which I now have, and they're still giving me trouble.

My doctor's office doesn't get it in until mid-October and I am trying to get it at least a month before the baby is due.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I live in Virginia and I know the Fairfax County Public Library system is starting the flu shot season on October 6. I recommend you to go to the website: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/flushots
I'm trying to figure out if Inova use the mercury free flu vaccine.

[Anonymous]

I'm the OP -- some info to pass on if folks are interested.

Safeway gives the mercury-free flu shot.

If you are planning on getting anywhere but your doctor's office, I'd call to make sure you don't need a prescription. I did, and got one from my doctor (they weren't available there until mid-oct) and then I was able to get one at Safeway.

[Anonymous]

I got one at my daughter's pediatrician's office. Come to think of it, I got one there last year too. I'm 7 months and they didn't have a problem giving it to me. Just got it this week because we happened to be there.

[Anonymous]

My OB/Gyn doesn't give the mercury free flu shot. Isn't that strange? They said it doesn't matter.. Anyone else hear that?

[Anonymous]

I just received my mercury-free flu shot at a CVS miniclinic. They will give flu shots to pregnant women, no prescription required. I went after work and was the only person there. It's $30 and my insurance covered it.

[Anonymous]

Try Capitol Travel Medicine in Arlington. They have the preservative-free shot.

[Anonymous]

Ask your OB/GYN if they are giving shots. Just got mine yesterday and I am 8 months.

[Anonymous]

Does it matter how far along you are whether a flu shot is safe? My office is giving them, but I will only be 9 weeks, and I don't want to say anything because I don't want anyone at work to know.

[Anonymous]

I don't want to scare anyone, but the last time I was pregnant and got my flu shot, I went into preterm labor shortly after. Quite possibly, the two events were not connected.

But I'm pregnant again. Yesterday, while DC's pediatrician was giving her a flu shot, the doctor told me that I should get one also, even though she knows I'm pregnant. I told her what I just told you above, and she said, "then I would definitely NOT get one this time."

Interpret it as you will. I'm now superstitious about this, and not getting a shot.

[Anonymous]

You should definitely call your OB and she what he/she says. I know that they HIGHLY recommend flu shots for women in the 3rd trimester, not so sure about the 1st trimester. I'm almost 36 weeks pregnant with twins and our ped and my OB both wanted me to get the flu shot before the babies arrived. I got mine at our peds office a couple of weeks ago.

[Anonymous]

To the poster who is 9 weeks -- my doctor (who is pregnant with her third child) told me the flu shot is recommended AFTER the first trimester only. Personally, I am struggling with even whether to get one in my second trimester (although I will) - I would definitely not take one in my first trimester. Too many uncertainties at such a delicate developmental stage.