I was asked by another preggie to make a post about the flu vaccine. From my experience as a…
I was asked by another preggie to make a post about the flu vaccine. From my experience as a clinical researcher, pregnant women should 100% receive a flu vaccine. The CDC estimates 36,000 Americans die each year due to the flu, although many epidemiologists estimate that number to be much higher. A woman's immune system is especially compromised during pregnancy making her at an even higher risk of contracting the flu. This year's flu vaccines come in several forms and are either trivalent or quadrivalent, meaning they protection against the 3-4 most common strains of the virus. Although early vaccination is best, ideally by October, the vaccine is offered throughout January. There is a great deal of misinformation against vaccines, yet few claims are scientifically based. In short, the flu shot offers protection to both mom and unborn baby, and it is highly advised that all pregnant women receive the vaccination.
Leah·
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@aboutellesbabe
Emily·
Мама сына-младенца
What about if you are breastfeeding?? Kind of stupid question but I would like to know
Elle·
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Thank you so much for all your help! :)
Leah·
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@edomke, yes! Breastfeeding moms should also get the vaccine. Both the shot and nasal sprays are safe. Breastfeeding moms who receive the vaccine also greatly reduce the risk of their baby contracting the virus. It is especially recommended that breastfeeding moms whose infants are younger than 6 months receive the vaccine, since they are too young to be vaccinated.
Leah·
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@aboutellesbabe, you are so welcome! Glad I could get some important info out there.
Morgan·
Мама троих детей
Question. I had an anaphylactic response to the flu vaccine almost two years ago, therefore, am not recommended to have another one. I have three children. Two are in school, one in daycare. Also, my husband works in a very large and heavily populated call center. Would it be safe to say my best line of defense is to have them all vaccinated (in addition to taking the best care of myself, of course)?
Leah·
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@eternalsunshine4, absolutely! That would be the smartest way to protect your family and you. And I'm sorry to hear that. Anaphylaxis is very scary, and often life-threatening. Glad to hear you're okay.
Morgan·
Мама троих детей
Ok thank you for confirming that. I am also a teacher and am 16.5 weeks preggo. I have a range of children in and out of my classroom throughout the week and am really nervous about contracting the flu, this year. I had the flu shot when I was pregnant with my youngest and then, again, when he was an infant. No anaphylactic response until the second go-round. I found that interesting, but I suppose allergic reactions can manifest at any moment. I've also learned I'm deathly allergic to mold, now, after a life threatening exposure to toxic molds. In short, the anaphylactic response and overcoming toxic mold poisoning were most definitely scary. I genuinely appreciate you responding to my question. 😊
Leah·
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@eternalsunshine4, you are so welcome. And it's true, that you can develop certain allergies at any time. On an unrelated note, I saw a short clip this morning about the teacher shortage in this country and was so troubled by it. I have so much appreciation for today's teachers. They are asked to give so much of their time outside of the classroom, are unfairly compensated and given such little control over their curriculum due to mandated testing. So thank you for doing what you do!