H1N1 Vaccine - Brewster,NY

Do not get the vaccine. I would talk to my OB, but I was not allowed to get the regular flu shot while I was in my first trimester, let alone something as serious as the H1N1. I would not get it. I would not get either. I was pregnant in the 1s trimester with both my kids and did not get the shot those yrs. I would not chance it.

I am wondering the same thing! So many unknowns and some side effects are not seen for years. I am most concerned about the preservatives in the shots. How do they know that giving a pregnant woman two doses of the additional chemicals in vaccines are safe? Where is the studies on pregnant women getting a normal flu shot AND a H1n1 shot in one year?

Did you already get the seasonal flu vaccine? Because all of the seasonal flu vaccines have the h1n1 vaccine in them. If you go to the fda website and look at the package inserts for all the seasonal flu vaccines, they all list h1n1. I am also pregnant and have chosen not to get the seasonal or h1n1 vaccine. This is my 4th pregnancy and I haven't ever gotten any of them, and I've always been fine. Honestly, I feel that the risks associated with vaccines, especially new ones, far outweigh being sick for a few days with the flu. Also, I have never gotten any of my kids flu vaccines, and we've never had a problem. Everyone I know who has gotten a flu vaccine seems to get the flu a day or 2 after the vaccine. Plus, they honestly don't know which strain of the flu is actually going to happen, and so when they're making vaccines, they're guessing and hoping they get it right. Hope this was helpful

Hi A.,

If you were ok the last time, there is no reason not to take the H1N1 vaccine. Actually, this flu strain seems to be particularly dangerous for pregnant women.

And this vaccine isn't any newer than any seasonal flu vaccine: the flu strains change every year, so a new vaccine has been created every year for the past 30 years. If the flu vaccine was more dangerous than normal, we'd know it by now. The only reason H1N1 wasn't added to the regular seasonal flu vaccine is that this strain appeared too late for normal production, so they had to create a specific vaccine for it. That whole thing about "new" vaccine drives me crazy, It's ignorance at best, deliberate misinformation at worst. And even Drs, who should know better, participate in it.

http://www.askdrsears.com/thevaccinebook/

Try this link--- I use the Vaccine Book alternative schedule for my 8 month old because I am paranoid. (he has had the seasonal flu shot) but Dr. Sears does a good job of explaining the swine flu controversy, and how the shot was made. Its interesting, and might make you feel better about it. In a nutshell he does not feel its any safer or riskier than seasonal flu shot---but read on.
Good luck. I'm not sure what I would do in your shoes.

I'm 6 months pregnant with my second child, and had no issues at all getting the seasonal flu shots during both pregnancies, and while I don't like to take Tylenol during pregnancies, I will take it to prevent further illness.

However, there's no way I'm getting the H1N1 shot. Why? Because there ARE no pregnant women who have experience with this! It's totally new and untested, and I am not about to have me and my unborn baby be guinea pigs for it. So while I have no issues taking tried and true treatments, I will not try this. I'm just much more conscious about washing my hands, etc. to prevent infection.

I am almost 22 weeks pregnant, and have opted to NOT get any of the flu vaccines. For myself, and for the rest of my family.

I'm not a medical professional. I'm just a mom who is concerned about the well being of my family. I've spoken to my drs, to our pediatrician, pregnant friends, and I've read countless articles both on the pro and con sides of the issue.

In the end, I have to trust my instincts. I guess that is best we can all do.

Good Luck with whatever you decide.

h1n1 is like any other flu...so you can get heal from it. not getting the vaccine is better than getting the vaccine and having long term effects from the vaccine. they can be very serious and life altering.

trust your instincts and not get the vaccine.

didn't read all your responses...
but my feeling is that if you are ok with the "regular" flu shot, then the H1N1 one is no different. its no more experimental than the regular flu shot - i could see how people who won't get the flu shot also won't get the H1N1, but definitely don't understand why someone would get one and not the other.

from all medical professionals i've talked to and all the research - it's made the exact same way as the seasonal flu shot (at least the injectible, i dunno about the nasal one).
the way my doctor put it: they have a template for the flu vaccine, they just plug in which strains their research shows them will be worst that particular year and make it from that. if the H1N1 had been been considered early enough, it would have been rolled right into the seasonal flu shot... but since it wasn't, they used the SAME template to make it that they've been using for the "regular" flu shots for years.

that being said - i'm 18 weeks pregnant and still haven't 100% decided on the shots for myself. all my doctor said was he couldn't make the decision for me, but that there's almost definitely more chance of dying from the flu (any strain) than from having bad side effects or death from the shot.

i would not do it- not enough info on it. in fact where i work(in a hospital) it was mandated when it comes out and now mandate is on hold due to a recent court action.

A.,

Pregnant women at are particular risk for developing serious complications from the H1N1 flu. This Q&A from the CDC should answer a lot of your questions about the H1N1 vaccine and pregnancy (including getting the shot during the first trimester):

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/pregnancy/

If you ask enough people, you will get conflicting information about what to do regarding this vaccine. Please try to educate yourself with objective information from reliable public health sources, such as the CDC. The NY Times also ran a useful op-ed piece dispelling many of the myths about this vaccine:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/12/opinion/12offit.html?sc...

And here is a tragic story of someone who was not fortunate enough to have the vaccine available when she was pregnant:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/20/health/20pregnant.html

Everyone in my family will be getting both flu vaccines this year. Ask your doctor if a thimerosal (mercury)-free vaccine is available, since that is better for your baby. Good luck making your decision, and wash your hands a lot!

A.

I had the same reservations. My OB originally advised against getting the live H1N1 vaccine. When the dead version became available, my OB strongly recommended getting that one. I got the regular flu shot in October, the H1N1 vaccine in November and delivered by baby at the beginning of December. She is completely healthy and neither one of us have had any problems.I recommend you get it just as a precaution. Mainly because it helps build the baby's immunity to it and keep you feeling well.

I know most people don't agree with me, I hate to sound like some kind of crazy conspiracy theorist, but I wouldn't take the vaccine if I were you. Recently I had a similar debate about whether my husband and I, or even our 9 mo old, should get the regular flu vaccine. I had a gut feeling about it (bad feeling) as we are all healthy and have never had flu shots. My pediatrician strongly recommended it and scared us about the severity of infuenza in infants. However I did some research and was horrified by the info I found. I got a news letter from Revive Wellness center (Dr. Artemis Morris) that you may want to look over before getting the vaccine, especially the part about Mercury - a well known neurotoxin ! (i.e. last thing in the world a pregnant woman should be ingesting). I'm still torn about the decision but I think it is important to make a well-informed one. Unfortunately due to the political powers in this world, it is often hard to get the real information we need.

"Is the average child at high risk of mortality due to H1N1? Two-thirds of 36 children who died from 2009 H1N1 influenza infection had underlying conditions, and many of the rest had subsequent bacterial infections, reported by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The children's underlying conditions were primarily cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or longstanding respiratory or cardiac disease. Some children without underlying conditions suffered bacterial co-infection, prompting clinicians to suspect bacterial infection in children who return with high fever after apparently getting better. One of the best natural anti-biotic is garlic to which there have been no cases of resistance".

"Are the "other" ingredients in the flu vaccine harmful?
Dr. Donald Miller, MD, said that two-thirds of this year's flu vaccines contain 25 micrograms of thimerosal. Thimerosal is 49 percent mercury by weight. We already know not to eat too much fish due to the high mercury content since nearly all fish contains trace amounts of methylmercury with tuna fish containing 9.2 micrograms per ounce(6). This is why purified fish oils are recommended over eating fish until we can clean up our water.
EACH DOSE OF THESE FLU VACCINES CONTAINS MORE THAN 250 TIMES THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY'S SAFETY LIMIT FOR MERCURY. The population most at risk for brain damage due to this extra mercury in the vaccine is CHILDREN AND FETUSES (caution in pregnant women) because mercury is a neurotoxin and their brains are still developing. In addition to mercury, flu vaccines also contain other hazardous ingredients like: Formaldehyde -- a known cancer-causing agent, Aluminum -- a neurotoxin that has been linked to Alzheimer's disease, Triton X-100 -- a detergent, and Phenol (carbolic acid). Why these are added, I don't know, but I do know that the "other" ingredients in the flu vaccine may pose a risk to some people that get the vaccine and that risk may be greater than the benefits of getting the vaccine."
Dr. Artemis Morris, ND, L.Ac
Medical director, Revive Wellness Center

Hi A... I agree with the last post. Its just a new strain, not a new vaccine...seasonal flu vaccine is made every year to accomodate the new types of flu strain that are out there... if I were you, I would get it. (BTW...I just had a baby in August and if they had they new about it last winter, I would of gotten it myself!) My son is getting the nasal spray today. Since we have a newborn, my husband and I are going to get it once our dr gets it. Good luck.

We had this conversation last night. My brother-in-law is a trauma nurse and he's in the middle of this debate over the H1N1 virus b/c of his profession. His thoughts... pregnant women (along with a long list of others considered "high risk") are on list b/c of the way in which the H1N1 virus infects the body. Apparently it goes straight into the respiratory system which impacts your breathing and conversely your child's breathing. The dead virus version has been okay so far, but the live virus has been inducing very mild cases of the flu.

Having said that, I had the flu last year at 10 weeks pregnant and it was very very scary. My doctor kept me out of work for almost two weeks b/c of the risk for dehydration and respiratory complications. I was fine, baby was fine but in his opinion (which I respect)- it could have been avoided had I gotten the flu shot.

Let's just say that we ALL got our flu shots this year- baby included. Listen to your doctor. Our son got the flu shot, but will not be getting H1N1 per our doctor's recommendation.

Hi- please make sure you go to nytimes.com and find article on pregnancy and swine flu that ran this week. Story of pg woman who nearly died, and her unborn child who did. It's no joke. You should get the vaccine imo.

Hi A.;

I think the bets answer to your question would come from Center for Disease Control and I pasted the link for you and they speceifically adress concerns of pregrant women in relation to H1N1 vaccine.

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/pregnant.htm

Secondly, I was in my Gynecologist's office yesterday (He was listed in "Best doctors of 2009" as per New York Magazine)and he had a sign posted that they are recommending pregnant women to get the H1N1 vaccine.

Hope it helps. Good Luck !

Hey A., I know it's a hard decision. I am 4 months pregnant with my second. I have always gotten the reg flu shot. Even my last pregnancy, in 2nd trimester though. I just received the reg. flu shot on Friday mercury/thirmerosol free one. I plan on getting the H1N1 when my doctor gets that. My daughter (2 yrs old) just got merc free reg flu shot and nasal mist H1N1 from her pediatrician. Obliviuosly I feel it is important to vaccinate ourselves and our children. Just my opinion after much research.

Hi A.! Congrats on your pregnancy. i am expecting my third at the end of Feb. 2010. :)
I would NEVER get any flu shot while pregnant, especially this one since NO ONE knows what kind of effects it will have on the mother or baby. And they're already setting the stage for any kind of bad reactions to be coincidental...
This morning I watched a video on it that featured the head of the National Vaccine Information Center and it is a MUST WATCH for everyone!!! I am trying to find you the link but it will not load at the moment and I think it's because of the amount of traffic it's getting. Anyway, I think this will get you there. Try it...I hope it works. It was VERY informative!
I had to repost this link this morning...the one I posted last night I think was wrong. Try this one.
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/1...

I would not take the vaccine,and I am not letting my children take it. Dr. Oz is not letting his daughter's or his wife take it. Here are some links for you-follow your instincts, they never lead you wrong:

http://www.mercola.com/article/swine-flu/Swine-Flu-Update...

From what I understand, H1N1 vaccine is new the same way that the seasonal flu vaccine is new every year. The base of the vaccine is fully tested and has been used for years. They just tweak which flu it is targeting by using that flu virus (after killing or incapacitating it). So, I don't understand why people are saying that this one is new and untested. If that were the case, every year's vaccine is new and untested. The potential side effects of the vaccine are known. This is not something that they came up with on the fly and are crossing their fingers that it works. No vaccine is 100% effective. But like all flu vaccines, this one has been tested and has just been designed to target the H1N1 virus.

Definitely speak to your OB/Midwife/Prenatal care provider to get their opinion. I have heard many people warning about the vaccine being more risky to a pregnant women actually getting H1N1 flu. Please speak to a medical professional. The effect of this flu on pregnant women is potentially severe. The typically seen side effects of the vaccine (soreness, swelling, fever) are not as bad as landing in the ICU.

I'm not pregnant but if I were, I would definitely get the vaccine. I've read and seen various news reports that swine flu affects pregnant women more adversely than non-pregnant women. There was a pregnant woman recently (well, last spring) who contracted swine flu, was in a coma for a while, had several collapsed lungs, lost the baby at 27 weeks and, although she lived, is getting tons of P.T. because she is so weak.
Of course, that could happen to anyone, but the studies seem to suggest that pregnant women are more at risk...
I DID get a regular flu shot when pregnant, but I seem to recall having to wait until my second trimester... I could be remembering that wrong though.

First off, congratulations on your pregnancy! I am 11 1/2 weeks along and have decided to get the H1N1 vaccine once it's available. My OB strongly recommended receiving it and said it's no more harmful than the seasonal flu vaccine, which I just got last week from my primary doctor. I asked her about the H1N1 vaccine and she said it's okay to get it, but that the H1N1 flu is mild and not to be too concerned if I catch it before I can be vaccinated against it. I hope this helps with your decision.

Although i don't know Titianna C, she took the time to tell you what most people dont know. You need to read her response and re read it until it really clicks to understand what she said. She gave you a world of information that is so on the money.
She is well educated on this topic.
regarding your doctor who said the benefits out way the risks, go to you tube and search beautiful cheerleader develops dystonia... one in a million yeah maybe until its you.

Hi A.,
The scare tactics they are using to convince everyone to get this vaccine are driving me crazy! That being said, I think that overall the vaccine is safe - I would get a version without Thimerosal since you are pg. Thimerosal is a mercury-based preservative, and while the amount of mercury is miniscule, I wouldn't take it pregnant and I wouldn't give it to a young child. I think that is a bigger concern than the nasal spray or injected version.

I would also confirm that there are no adjuvants in the version you get. They have said they weren't going to use them in the US version of the vaccine, but as we hear more and more about vaccine shortage, they may change their minds on that one. The adjuvants are a bigger issue than Thimerosal, they are designed to enhance the body's response to the vaccine, so a smaller amount of vaccine can be used. The problem with adjuvants is they have not all been tested or approved for use in the US, AND they are a possible cause of bad side-effects linked to vaccines.

Finally, I think the decision is very personal and very difficult because of the pressure from the government and the media. I think, if you would normally get the seasonal flu shot while pg, you can get this one (the seasonal flu shot has versions with and without thimerosal as well). My family typically doesn't get flu shots, not out of any "fear" of vaccinations, it's just not something we ever did - kind of unnecessary medicine. You get the flu, you get sick, you get better. In some ways, I think they are using this as a practice run for when the "real bad one" comes along, and I do think the swine flu had the potential to go either way in the beginning. It is still far less deadly than the seasonal flu, BUT the people who are being affected by it are young people. I am on the fence about whether to get my 6yo vaccinated for it or not. So far the school has not sent any info home about it, and I have not been to her pediatrician yet this year to talk to her.

Good luck with your decision.

I just heard yesterday that you shouldn't get the shot in your first trimester, and that when you get it later, you should get the live virus, because the dead virus contains preservatives that you don't want to the baby to get. Don't know how much of it is true?

I am 14 weeks along and am worrying about the same thing. I did recently hear you could ask for a thimerasol free vaccination. Please let me know what you decide or if you obtain any valuable info. My OB is storngly urging me to get it, particurly because I work in a public school and if any child is exposed, he said i woul dahve to take tamaflu anyway.

I am not pregnant but I am COPD. My Pulmonary doctor said he isn't giving this swine flu shot to any of his patients in any form as he is not turning them into test pigs for the government. Instead he has given me a script for Tamiflu 75mg. to take at the on set of systems...which he said would be aches and pains before it effects the lungs....and said I should call him when I start the medication.

Three days before he gave me the reg. flu shot, he had me get an ESR blood test. This tests for any infection going on in the body. If the levels of this test are high, it means my immune system is doing well therefore ok to take the reg. flu shot...he also took my temperature right before giving me the shot. So far so good...I'm doing well.

The doctor decided to do this blood test because 3 years in a row I had gotten sick all winter and each time it started 4 days after I had taken the flu shot....I was on antibiotics and Prednisone and in and out of the hospital all winter long 3 years in a row. The nurses joked saying they named a room after me. So for 2 years after, I refused the flu shot. First year I did fine, second year I had two hospital stays....not good.

I've learned the benifets of eating healty foods, and taking my vitamins and doing daily exercises in keeping my Immmune System healthy.. I even take an over the counter product called "airborne"....check it out ladies it's also made for children. I stopped hugging people, and when young children run up to hug me I stand up to make sure they get me from the waist down. I put my arms around them and tell them how glad I am to see them. I use my hand sanitizer everywhere I go...especially shopping and never do I sit and wait in doctor waiting rooms where sick people gather all day long....I tell them at the desk I'm here but I'll be waiting right out side the door, come get me when the doctor is ready to see me. When a friend is sick, on the phone I'll ask them what they need...I'll do their errands, shop and even cook for them ((in my house))) but I leave it all at their front door for them.. I do realize and know I can't live in a bubble, but I feel I don't have to be stupid about things either.

My GP doctor hasn't recieved the swine flu shots as yet and hasn't decided if he's going to use them or not when he does get his supplies...he said, he just doesn't have enough information on it.

My neighbor who has 2 very young children ((4ys.and 2ys. and both in day care)))) said she is not giving her children the reg. or swine flu shots at all...She and her husband aren't taking them either..

I question our government. On one hand they are pushing all of us to take the swine flu shot which has not been tested on humans, yet they have announced it effects young children yet they also announced they wont be closing down the schools this year to sanitizes as they had done when all this started when a student got sick. It makes me feel it's all about MONEY, not our health, not about saving people lives.

It's a huge decision for all of us to make. NO right, No wrong. Make your decision and what is meant to be, will be.
Everyone is in my prayers....

My midwife said to get it in the 2nd trimester if you'll be pregnant November-March.

I just put out the same question. Only I am further along (27 weeks). I find it hard myself to come to a decision but lean towards not getting it. I don't feel that the CDC is a neutral forum to get information these days. To me it seems that they want to stop the virus to spread - no matter what and they use the media to spread fear among the people. My OB recommended I take the shots but also said that professionally he has to recommend it. As for the trust, I am from Germany where you have a more personal relationship with your doctors and they really take more time and get to know you better. Over here I honestly don't feel so much trust and rather trust my own feelings. It seems like in America people sue their doctors for anything and of course the doctors don't like to give out personal recommendations if they differ from what their board or other officials say. I think it is hard to get valid information on the vaccines because they haven't been used a lot yet. It is hard to go against it and against your doctor's advice but I also feel that it is very wise to be sceptic on this one. Haven't found an answer for myself yet.

Perhaps the best thing to do is to arm yourself w/ knowledge- research this more.
There are several sites that can give you objective, research based information that is devoid of political drive (which is actually not the case w/ CDC or your local health dept.)
NVIC- National Vaccine Information Center is one such organization;
another may be the EWG- Environmental Working Group formed by a group of research scientists who aim for real scientifically based decisions; not moved by politics or corporate money.
Mercola.com and Dr. Tenpenney are knowledgeable about vaccine issues; Dr. Tenpenney having been a vaccine expert in the industry.
WHatever you do, do not feel rushed into making a decision. Do what you can to stay healthy; eating immune supporting foods is key.

If I were you I would speak to my OB/GYN and my doctor. The two chosen, educated professionals that you trust your life and your unborn child's life with. Then do some research on reputable sites (like the CDC, etc) and make an informed decision.

There is too much misinformation out there (and on here regarding vaccines - no offense intended at all). So get the best info that you can and then decide. I do know that the virus is particularly bad for pregnant woman and kids under 3.

Good luck with your decision and with baby #4 - how exciting for you and the whole family.

Just my opinion, but I would get it after the first trimester. I never get the regular flu vaccine (so I'm not strongly pro-flu vaccine), but more than 25% of the pregnant women hospitalized with H1N1 ended up dying this year so far (there aren't good numbers on how many have had it but weren't hospitalized). However, I've seen estimates ranging from about a 2% to a 10% mortality rate for pregnant women who get it. That's just too high for my comfort.

While it's a new vaccine, it is made just like the regular seasonal flu vaccine (which is made new every year too), so that doesn't really bother me.

That being said, I wouldn't get it before the end of the 1st trimester. There's just SO much happening in the baby's development during that time that I wouldn't feel comfortable with it. I also would only get the preservative-free vaccine.

if you have an ob that you trust (presumably you used them for your 1st child and everything turned out ok), you should follow their advice. i am also 7 weeks pregnant and saw my ob yesterday who advised that i should get both the h1n1 and the seasonal flu vaccine. she said that the seasonal flu vaccine is "new" every year too, as it is redesigned based on the current strand of the virus each year, so there is really no difference. i trust her and i will be getting both when they are available at my drs office next week. good luck with your decision!

Hi A.
I have to tell you that I am not pregnant, but I understand your concerns for sure. I was the same way when I was pregnant with my daughter and I hated taking anything.

That said, I was just at the pediatrician's yesterday for my 21 month old daughter to get the seasonal flu shot and I discussed the H1N1 with him.
He does not have it at this time and is not sure if he will get it, but he said if he does, he will give it without reservation b/c the vaccine is made the same as any other seasonal flu vaccine is made. The only thing is that it will be for H1N1. It is not a live vaccine and neither is the seasonal flu vaccine.
I did some research about flu vaccines on the internet and I have not found anything alarming.
Every year scientists try to design a new vaccine for the virus's that they think will be most likey the flu virus for the following year....this year H1N1 is one of them.
I think actually it is a good thing. There is no guessing this time...they know which one is going to invade this year. (and is already for most of the nation)
I think had they made it in the seasonal flu vaccine instead of a seperate shot, people would have less reservations.
My Pediatrician said he WILL NOT give the NASAL version to anyone and advises no one get that one as it is a diluted live version. He said he would never give a live vaccine for the flu.
So my feeling is this...unless a person has been advised by their physician not to get the seasonal flu shot as they might have an underlying health issue where it would be destrimental to them, then there should not be a reason to avoid the H1N1 vaccine.
The more I read up on vaccines in general, the more I am swaying to get it for my daughter.
Her Dr. does not feel she is high risk b/c I am a SAHM and she does not go to daycare, but my husband is always the one to get sick and bring it home to the baby and myself!

Good luck in your decision...you will never feel 100% no matter which direction you go with this.
Any vaccine has it's risks no matter how slight and it is scary when we have to consider our children. We are less anxious when it comes to ourselves than when it is about them!...I know your fears! Believe me!! ;)

Congratuations with your Pregancy and best of everything for your family!
P.