Trying to get pregnant and H1N1 vaccine priority

[Anonymous]

If I might be pregnant (trying but don't know yet), do I still have to wait indefinitely until the h1n1 vaccine is open to everyone, or can I get it when I get the shot for my 8 m/o? This would be at a DC clinic. TIA.

[Anonymous]

If you find out you are definitely pregnant then you can get your shot. If you have not found out that you are pregnant you should wait because you are not priority yet.

[Anonymous]

I was debating the same question, and thought about asking at the clinic when I took my 15 month DS to get vaccinated. I'm not pregnant yet although I have been trying for the last 6 months. I decided to wait until they gave the vaccine to everyone, or when I finally am pregnant (whichever comes first). I wanted to leave the vaccine for high priority group first, just in case they ran out. However; from reading the other forums, if you really want the vaccine, sounds like you can get it without being on the list. Your call.

[Anonymous]

I think if you could be pregnant you should get it. FWIW, on the DC form you complete to show if you a priority group I noticed that it said something like check here if "you could be pregnant in next month or are pregnant."

Of course, I am not talking about the theoretical sense that all women of a certain age could be pregnant, but if you are actively trying and really could be pregnant then they want you to get you vaccinated, the sooner the better.

[Anonymous]

You should check with your doctor. Most drs. perfer their patients not get vaccinated during the 1st trimester.

[Anonymous]

CDC recommends and encourages first trimester. Just like seasonal flu.

[Anonymous]

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/pregnant_qa.htm

CDC states pregnant women can get vaccinated at any time.

I also noticed the that there was a section on the DC form that asked if the patient could be pregnant in the next month. That was under teh section that helped determine what kind of vaccine the person should receive. On page 2, there's a section on "Priority groups" (title is misleading), where there is a section to check off if you are "Young adult from 19 to 24 years of age."

I think the DC form is a generic form for all to fill when the vaccine does become available to all. The CDC vaccine target group does not specifically state , "Women who are planning to conceive."

[Anonymous]

CDC doesn't specifically state priority group as "planning to get pregnant" but I think there is a difference in "planning" and "could be pregnant". The OP could be pregnant and if she has chance to get vaccine she should. I think that is clear cut. Of course I personally think those planning to get pregnant shouldn't feel bad for getting since better to build immune system up. But that is less of a clear cut case.

[Anonymous]

If OP could be pregnant, she can take a simple test and know for sure. Then she should definitely get the vaccine. Pregnant or not, I think we all have the chance to get the vaccine if we really wanted....

[Anonymous]

i'm currently ttc and would love to get the vaccine before i'm pregnant. i'm hoping i'll be able to get it soon...

[Anonymous]

I think OP CAN get it - the question is should she? OP says she's trying - seems to me she could get pregnant in the next month or it could take several more months, by which time the vaccine will be more widely available. Personally, I would not feel comfortable getting the vaccine just on the basis of trying to conceive. However, since OP has an 8 mo old, and children under 10 need two shots for full immunity, I would get the shot if offered at the clinic to not only protect myself and some future hoped-for fetus, but also the child I do have.

[Anonymous]

I think she should get it. She could be pregnant and by the time she knows for sure, gets back to a clinic, etc. she could already be sick. This thing is rampant right now. The DC form said if you "could" be pregnant and I take that to mean exactly the poster's situation.

[Anonymous]

I interpret the DC form a bit more narrowly - like you've missed your period but haven't taken the test yet. Or maybe if your "trying" consists of really timing your ovulation, or something and you know you had sex while you were ovulating. But I don't think it matters for this OP anyway - she has an 8 mo-old, so that should put her in the priority camp right there.

[Anonymous]

While it seems like there are enough shots to go around, lets keep in mind that children under 10 need a second shot for full immunity. If everyone who wants a shot (that aren't priority), receive the vaccine, will there be enough in 28 days for the children who need their second shot?

[Anonymous]

OP, I took DD to get the shot on Saturday then found out on Sunday that I was pregnant. Oops. But I am still glad I didn't get the shot that day, because I didn't know I was pregnant at the time.

It is your call. I don't think you will be at a higher risk if you just got pregnant anyway, your lungs and immunity are still functioning normally. You could always get it in a couple of weeks when your child goes back for the second dose, to save a trip.