Aa
Made my decision on the H1N1 vaccine....
Well, after going back and forth and debating whether or not I should get this vaccine has really been tough on me. I recieved my flu shot yesterday and asked the PA what he thought of the H1N1 vaccine. He said to me "Honestly, you really need to get it being pregnant...The mortality rate for pregnant woman is now up to 50% and the vaccine may also protect your baby once born which is good b/c infants are too young to receive the flu vaccines..." He also told me it's made the same way the flu shot is made - by a strand of the flu DNA and it is not a live virus, and that you can't get the virus by getting the vaccine. So, with all this being said and with the H1N1 virus running rampant now, I will be getting this vaccine. I know it hasn't been studied that long, but my theory is that Tamiflu and such isn't recommended for p/g woman b/c of the unknown effects on the fetus. So, to me, it's a no win situation on that front. So, I'm going to try to protect my unborn baby and myself so that both of our children can have a mother to share their lives with. I just can't risk it. That mortality rate is way to high for mine and DH's comfort...
Good for you. After my last OB appt my doctor stressed to me that the H1N1 vaccine is really needed for the baby after birth. That if I were to get the shot he would then have protection as well. It does make sense since babies cannot get any type of flu shot until they are 6 months old. Since our babies are going to be born at the height of flu season I am thinking now that I am going to get it as well.
My OB office does not get them in tho. So I have to find a location that has it.
My OB office does not get them in tho. So I have to find a location that has it.
Does anyone have a reference for the 50% mortality rate of pregnant women? Everything I read is consistent with this report from CNN: (http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/09/30/h1n1.vaccine.decision/)
So far, the NIH has vaccinated more than 60 pregnant women as part of a study to see whether the H1N1 vaccine is safe and effective. There have been no reports of serious side effects, according to Linda Lambert of the Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. The NIH plans on vaccinating a total of 120 women in its study.
Every pregnant woman needs to decide for herself whether she wants the H1N1 vaccine. The swine flu virus has been particularly dangerous for pregnant women; 6 percent of the people who've died from H1N1 since April have been pregnant women, while pregnant women make up only 1 percent of the U.S. population, according to Dr. Anne Schuchat, director of CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.
Why are pregnant women more vulnerable to H1N1 flu? "It's partly because pregnant women have some degree of compromise of their immune system, and their ability to fight off even fairly common illnesses such as the flu appears to be much lower," said Dr. Neil Silverman, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of California-Los Angeles School of Medicine.
In addition to protecting pregnant women, studies show vaccines give immunity to a newborn for at least a few months as antibodies cross the placenta and reach the fetus. This is especially important since babies cannot get an H1N1 vaccine themselves until they're 6 months old.
By the way, pregnant women and children under age 2 can't get the nasal spray -- the shot is their only option.
So far, the NIH has vaccinated more than 60 pregnant women as part of a study to see whether the H1N1 vaccine is safe and effective. There have been no reports of serious side effects, according to Linda Lambert of the Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. The NIH plans on vaccinating a total of 120 women in its study.
Every pregnant woman needs to decide for herself whether she wants the H1N1 vaccine. The swine flu virus has been particularly dangerous for pregnant women; 6 percent of the people who've died from H1N1 since April have been pregnant women, while pregnant women make up only 1 percent of the U.S. population, according to Dr. Anne Schuchat, director of CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.
Why are pregnant women more vulnerable to H1N1 flu? "It's partly because pregnant women have some degree of compromise of their immune system, and their ability to fight off even fairly common illnesses such as the flu appears to be much lower," said Dr. Neil Silverman, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of California-Los Angeles School of Medicine.
In addition to protecting pregnant women, studies show vaccines give immunity to a newborn for at least a few months as antibodies cross the placenta and reach the fetus. This is especially important since babies cannot get an H1N1 vaccine themselves until they're 6 months old.
By the way, pregnant women and children under age 2 can't get the nasal spray -- the shot is their only option.
I think you've made a great decision for yourself. Each one of us has to make our own decision and deal with the potential consequence. It's a scary time to be pregnant, that's for sure.
Here are where the 6% stats come from:
The Lancet, Volume 374, Issue 9688, Pages 451 - 458, 8 August 2009
(http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(09)61304-0/abstract)
From April 15 to May 18, 2009, 34 confirmed or probable cases of pandemic H1N1 in pregnant women were reported to CDC from 13 states. 11 (32%) women were admitted to hospital. The estimated rate of admission for pandemic H1N1 influenza virus infection in pregnant women during the first month of the outbreak was higher than it was in the general population (0·32 per 100 000 pregnant women, 95% CI 0·13—0·52 vs 0·076 per 100 000 population at risk, 95% CI 0·07—0·09). Between April 15 and June 16, 2009, six deaths in pregnant women were reported to the CDC; all were in women who had developed pneumonia and subsequent acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring mechanical ventilation.
The Lancet, Volume 374, Issue 9688, Pages 451 - 458, 8 August 2009
(http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(09)61304-0/abstract)
From April 15 to May 18, 2009, 34 confirmed or probable cases of pandemic H1N1 in pregnant women were reported to CDC from 13 states. 11 (32%) women were admitted to hospital. The estimated rate of admission for pandemic H1N1 influenza virus infection in pregnant women during the first month of the outbreak was higher than it was in the general population (0·32 per 100 000 pregnant women, 95% CI 0·13—0·52 vs 0·076 per 100 000 population at risk, 95% CI 0·07—0·09). Between April 15 and June 16, 2009, six deaths in pregnant women were reported to the CDC; all were in women who had developed pneumonia and subsequent acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring mechanical ventilation.
Thanks for your support ladies - it is a scary time to be pregnant - I don't want to go out of the house lol!! Here, we have swine flu making it's debut and we also have whooping cough going around.
The PA is the one who told me about 50% of p/g women are dying from this flu...I don't know exactly where he got the statistics from, but we have had at least one p/g woman withing 40mins of our house die from H1N1.
My hairdresser, who is not p/g and is healthy just got over it and also developed pneumonia...
But it is scary and hopefully The Man Upstairs will protect us all :-)
The PA is the one who told me about 50% of p/g women are dying from this flu...I don't know exactly where he got the statistics from, but we have had at least one p/g woman withing 40mins of our house die from H1N1.
My hairdresser, who is not p/g and is healthy just got over it and also developed pneumonia...
But it is scary and hopefully The Man Upstairs will protect us all :-)
I am not sure whether I should get it or not? I am afraid of needles one, and two since they are not sure what the side effects are on your newborn. I was watching GMA this morning and a gentleman was on there talking about Autism in kids and what actually causes it since so many kids are being diagnosed more than ever with this condition.
I am not taking the flu shot, I have never taken it. So I am going to stay away from it, but I am really considering the H1N1 though its a scary sickness. I also thought that is was not coming out until the end of this month anyway.
I am not taking the flu shot, I have never taken it. So I am going to stay away from it, but I am really considering the H1N1 though its a scary sickness. I also thought that is was not coming out until the end of this month anyway.
I posted on a number of these now...but I'm getting it as well. Another woman just died here in my city from it.
I've had three separate medical opinions on it and they have all said the same thing...it's not a case of deciding between getting the shot or nothing...it's between getting the shot or dying from the swine flu if you get it. Since I can't live in hibernation and I have no idea who around me MIGHT have it, I'm not taking a chance with my life or my baby's. I'll be getting it as soon as the OB has it available (which could be Weds., I won't know until I go to the appt.)
Also, nelly...there is NO scientific evidence of a connection between ANY vaccine and autism. There are many theories, but no proof...just an FYI ;)
JoJo...I don't have stats, but I think there have been a NUMBER of women who have died since August, so maybe that's why the doctor gave a higher stat? Also, it's 50% of the women who are able to be diagnosed with swine flu. In my area, there a number of deaths that they can't be sure if it was swine flu since the person never went to the doctor for it. I don't know if they can (or will) autopsy...but we've had a couple schools shut down already.
I've had three separate medical opinions on it and they have all said the same thing...it's not a case of deciding between getting the shot or nothing...it's between getting the shot or dying from the swine flu if you get it. Since I can't live in hibernation and I have no idea who around me MIGHT have it, I'm not taking a chance with my life or my baby's. I'll be getting it as soon as the OB has it available (which could be Weds., I won't know until I go to the appt.)
Also, nelly...there is NO scientific evidence of a connection between ANY vaccine and autism. There are many theories, but no proof...just an FYI ;)
JoJo...I don't have stats, but I think there have been a NUMBER of women who have died since August, so maybe that's why the doctor gave a higher stat? Also, it's 50% of the women who are able to be diagnosed with swine flu. In my area, there a number of deaths that they can't be sure if it was swine flu since the person never went to the doctor for it. I don't know if they can (or will) autopsy...but we've had a couple schools shut down already.
Okay very scary after reading up on it a little more, I want to take it now but my OB order is not in and they dont know when it will be in. I live in MD/DC area, can anyone help me find a place that does have the shot.
I live in IL and the shot is not available here yet. However the only place they will be offering it is the local health dept. Maybe you want to try yours too.
I had been undecided on this vaccination, but leaning towards not getting it, until this week. I have made the decision that I will not get this vaccine, and I will not have my son get it either. I'm sure my husband will make the same decision for himself, but I'm supportive of whatever he wants to decide, as he is for me as well.
I have done my own exhaustive research about this vaccine, and I've also kept up with the numerous posts around the many forums of MH. After nearly two months of trying to figure this out for myself to make what I hope to be the best decision for my family and me, I've 100% decided that I will not get this vaccine. I just feel like the risk is too high; although, I also realize the risk I'm potentially taking in not getting the vaccine. I honestly feel like it's a 50-50 risk, and I'd rather not introduce this vaccine that has had so little research testing done into my body, my unborn son's body, or my older son's body. I would rather use natural preventatives, such as increasing my intake of vitamins D, C, and Omega-3s, limiting my sugar and processed food intake, taking a garlic supplement, keeping up with my weekly exercise at taekwondo classes, and keeping my hands washed (which has made me quite fond of hand lotion lately...).
However, I am strongly considering getting the seasonal flu shot by the end of the month. I did get the seasonal flu shot for my son two days ago because I felt he was at the greatest risk of getting the flu in the next few months, as it is making its rounds at his daycare. Since he was at the highest risk of getting the flu and bringing it home to me, I felt this was the best decision to make this season, even though I normally do not get him or myself vaccinated with the flu shot on a yearly basis.
I was hesitant to have this done for him as well, because recent reports, although unproven, have indicated a higher risk of contracting the H1N1 virus once a person has received the regular seasonal flu shot. This information is making me hesitant on getting the seasonal flu vaccine for myself, so I am waiting for further proven information about this before making my final decision--but as for my son getting it, I felt that he had a huge risk of getting the seasonal flu by the end of this month if I didn't get him vaccinated this week, and I want to avoid these illnesses at all costs.
Anyway, sorry for that ramble...just throwing in the decision I've made on this subject. It's definitely something that has no right or wrong answer.
I have done my own exhaustive research about this vaccine, and I've also kept up with the numerous posts around the many forums of MH. After nearly two months of trying to figure this out for myself to make what I hope to be the best decision for my family and me, I've 100% decided that I will not get this vaccine. I just feel like the risk is too high; although, I also realize the risk I'm potentially taking in not getting the vaccine. I honestly feel like it's a 50-50 risk, and I'd rather not introduce this vaccine that has had so little research testing done into my body, my unborn son's body, or my older son's body. I would rather use natural preventatives, such as increasing my intake of vitamins D, C, and Omega-3s, limiting my sugar and processed food intake, taking a garlic supplement, keeping up with my weekly exercise at taekwondo classes, and keeping my hands washed (which has made me quite fond of hand lotion lately...).
However, I am strongly considering getting the seasonal flu shot by the end of the month. I did get the seasonal flu shot for my son two days ago because I felt he was at the greatest risk of getting the flu in the next few months, as it is making its rounds at his daycare. Since he was at the highest risk of getting the flu and bringing it home to me, I felt this was the best decision to make this season, even though I normally do not get him or myself vaccinated with the flu shot on a yearly basis.
I was hesitant to have this done for him as well, because recent reports, although unproven, have indicated a higher risk of contracting the H1N1 virus once a person has received the regular seasonal flu shot. This information is making me hesitant on getting the seasonal flu vaccine for myself, so I am waiting for further proven information about this before making my final decision--but as for my son getting it, I felt that he had a huge risk of getting the seasonal flu by the end of this month if I didn't get him vaccinated this week, and I want to avoid these illnesses at all costs.
Anyway, sorry for that ramble...just throwing in the decision I've made on this subject. It's definitely something that has no right or wrong answer.
Because I'm recovering from Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS), my neurologist and OB agree that I shouldn't get the vaccine. My OB said that Tamiflu is showing to be safe in pregnancy, so if worse comes to worse, than I will have to take Tamiflu. Unfortunately for me, the consequence of having the flu will be better than the potential consequence of exposing my wonky immune system to a vaccine. for me, this applies to both the seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccines. I'm just lucky that I don't work with children or in the medical field at present (I'm off work because of the GBS).
I agree with what others have been saying -- there is no right or wrong answer; it's a personal decision. The only certainty that I'm aware of is that if you're going to get the vaccine when pregnant, it shouldn't be the nasal spray (live vaccine); it has to be the killed one (and possibly the one without preservatives). This information seems to be consistent across sources and studies.
I agree with what others have been saying -- there is no right or wrong answer; it's a personal decision. The only certainty that I'm aware of is that if you're going to get the vaccine when pregnant, it shouldn't be the nasal spray (live vaccine); it has to be the killed one (and possibly the one without preservatives). This information seems to be consistent across sources and studies.
Also, just as a side note about the H1N1 vaccine that I read about in an Associated Press article yesterday--if you receive the H1N1 vaccine, you will need to get a booster four weeks later. So that is two vaccinations in the period of a month of a vaccine that normally (seasonal flu) only takes one shot.
I've heard in other sources that this also applies to the seasonal flu vaccine as well this year, so in that case, if you get the seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 vaccine, you're looking at innoculating yourself four times with two vaccines in the period of one to two months.
I'm not entirely certain about needing the seasonal flu shot twice; I've only read that in one source so far. And when I had my son vaccinated with the seasonal flu shot this week, his pediatrician never said a thing about him needing a booster shot in four weeks.
I've heard in other sources that this also applies to the seasonal flu vaccine as well this year, so in that case, if you get the seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 vaccine, you're looking at innoculating yourself four times with two vaccines in the period of one to two months.
I'm not entirely certain about needing the seasonal flu shot twice; I've only read that in one source so far. And when I had my son vaccinated with the seasonal flu shot this week, his pediatrician never said a thing about him needing a booster shot in four weeks.
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