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377493 tn?1356502149

Some advice needed please...

So I do not typically buy into media hype, however I am getting scared.  I am almost 27 weeks pregnant and I work in a job that has me in constant contact with our cities homeless population daily.  I do not work in an actual shelter, but we are a day facility that has many programs and so our building is full of individuals every day that have some pretty seriously compromised immune systems. I also am in and out of our cities homeless shelters a few times a week. There is no way getting around it, it's part of my job. With something like H1N1 out there, that population is almost certain to be hit hard by it.  I am starting to get really scared of contracting H1N1. I have had my seasonal flu shot, but it doesn't look like I will be able to get H1N1 for app. 2 weeks.  The vaccine then takes app. another 2 weeks to become effective.  I keep hearing stories about how hard pregnant women, particularly in third trimester are being hit, and how sick they are becoming.  My husband thinks I should take a leave early (I will be taking a year off anyway after this baby is born, so it's only an extra 3 months).  I don't want to give into fear, but I also want to ensure I am doing everything humanly possible to protect myself and this baby...I worked so darn hard to get this far.  I am trying to not be paranoid, but to use common sense. What would you do if you were me?
10 Responses
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172023 tn?1334672284
Whew!  I'm glad you got it.

I wish I could find it somewhere.
Helpful - 0
483733 tn?1326798446
Great news!
Helpful - 0
377493 tn?1356502149
I managed to get the vaccine today, so this question is no longer relevant I guess.  Today they opened a 5th clinic specific to high risk...pregnant women, children etc.  Someone is finally using their head!
Helpful - 0
377493 tn?1356502149
Sounds like Ontario is being far more sensible then Alberta.  What you described is how we had been told it would be handled as well...there are some very angry people here.  
Helpful - 0
483733 tn?1326798446
They have been dispensing to priority patients (pregnant women included) for the last week so am pleased with how they are handling here.  I am so surprised Alberta is not following suit.  Good luck - hope you can make a decision or find a way to get it quicker.
Helpful - 0
377493 tn?1356502149
It doesn't look like it right now.  What they have done here is set up 4 walk in, first come first serve clinics (pop. here is about 1,000,000). They are not prioritizing anyone.  The wait time is about 6 hours, and that is not expected to change in the next week or two.  Line ups are outside, its cold, and I really don't think I can physically stand that long (I have a placental tear that is being watched carefully).  Our medical clinic at work is part of the next batch to receive the vaccine and we aren't expected to have it for another 2 weeks. Staff will be vaccinated same day we get it.  That means it will be about a month before I have any level of protection.  I personally think it's ridiculous the way they have done it, and our medical clinic is screaming mad but it doesn't look like anything is going to happen any sooner.  I have called my family Dr. and they have no idea when or even if they will receive it. I don't think my OB's office will get it at all.  How are they doing things in Ontario?  Is it as dumb a set up as here in Alberta?
Helpful - 0
483733 tn?1326798446
Can you get it earlier directly from your family doctor?
Helpful - 0
377493 tn?1356502149
Thanks so much for the input, I truly appreciate it.  Your sure right about people being misinformed...I cannot believe some of the nonsense floating around.  I can't believe how many people are trying to talk me out of getting the vaccine over all these unconfirmed stats and stories.  If I could get that vaccine now, I would worry a whole lot less, but my only current option is to line up for 6 hours (outside) as they are not prioritizing...so ridiculous.  We really haven't had too many cases of it here yet, but I just feel that when it hits it will hit the population I work with hard.  Exposure is almost a given for me, its just a matter of when.  I am generally fairly healthy, but would like to stay that way.  I see my OB next week, and will get her opinion as well.  Then I will decide from there. No doubt it will put an extra financial strain on us for a few months, but when on actual maternity leave I do get paid app. 60% of my income for a year, so it's only 3 months that will be really difficult. We can do it though.  Besides, I cannot put a price tag on this (and mine) babies health.  Thanks for the input.
Helpful - 0
171768 tn?1324230099
If you can swing it, do it.
Or, inquire as to whether or not you can modify your duties.

I personally do not think you're being paranoid, but I recently posted a similar question in another forum. I am normally not overprotective, but I do not want my 2 month old or my 2 yr old getting sick. I also don't want to get sick, because who's gonna take care of them?

I don't trust other people. They don't use common sense and are also misinformed. DH and I are currently pissed because this weekend we were exposed to flu. My sister started showing symptoms today, but had been in contact with people who had it last week. In addition, the other family there was healthy but had another daughter home with flu. They didn't bother telling me this until after I got there on Sunday. Until the world grows common sense and consideration (I would not have taken my girls on Sun), or until we get our vaccines, I'm staying home.

And I WILL be very P!SSED if we get it from them.

Sorry for the tangent/rant. Moral of the story is, if you are concerned then avoid the situation all together. I would.
Helpful - 0
675347 tn?1365460645
Look after no.1 first!! And your baby. Do what you instinctively want to do, and never mind either; anyone else's opinion, or financial concerns. If your instincts tell you to get the heck out right now do it.
Helpful - 0
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