Any one had the swine flu jab?

[keepfitgirl]

I haven't posted here since I got pregnant but have been looking in regularly. I'm 23 wks and have just had my notification from my Dr to go and have the swine flu jab. I'm from the UK and there have been varying reports about this vaccine, so I was just wondering if any of you ladies in the US (or any other countries) have gone ahead with the jab? I am a little concerned that our jab contains mercury. Does anyone have any opinions or knowledge about this and have any of you had any reactions to the vaccine?

Thanks

Emma

[23jimbean]

I am 37 weeks pregnant. My son and I (and baby inside) all had swine flu around 30 weeks. It was not that bad. I would not get the vaccine, for many reasons. The mercury, as well, the flu mutates so quickly, it could not be wise... It is such a personal decision. I am healthy and have no history of respiratory trouble, so it was not a huge threat to me... Hope this helps.

[keepfitgirl]

Thanks for that. I just don't know what to do. My sister-in-law is a Dr and she has advised me to go ahead and have the vaccine. She says that the threat of complications and hospitalization for pregnant women (esp in 2nd & 3rd trim) is so much higher than for a normal person. She cannot see any danger in taking it & says it is like the normal flu jab, which alot of pregnant women get anyway. I have a history of bad coughs - just getting over one that I had for 7 wks (couldn't take anything due to pregnancy), so catching the swine flu could be an issue for me.

Emma

[Liann]

Emma - I've been torn about this for a while to. The Mercury had me worried as well, but my doctor swears that there is such a minute amount in it, that it doesn't even equal the amount of mercury in 1 can of tuna. I'm still leery, but I'm currently scheduled to get the shot this weekend. I'm only 8 weeks along and I will be pregnant throughout the entire flu season and around a lot of kids during the holidays, so I think this is probably the best decision for me.

[keepfitgirl]

Liann - I have booked in for next week. I also read that the amount of mercury is less than a tin of tuna. My sister-in-law can't understand the fuss, as she says they rush out the flu jab every year, so it's no different. She is having it and said if she was pregnant she would do the same. It's difficult not to be concerned though isn't it? I've read from preg ladies that have had the jab in the UK that the only thing after having the jab was that their arm was v sore.

Let me know how you feel after you have yours & I'll do the same!

Emma

[Liann]

I will let you know how it goes!

[keepfitgirl]

Thanks and Good Luck!

[mabdoo]

I would get it. I am not pregnant so I can't get the shot yet but I have a daughter who is high risk so both my kids got it. As soon as it becomes available both DH and I will get it.

Liann, I haven't been on the forums much lately and didn't know you were pregnant. Congrats.

[Liann]

Thanks mabdoo!

Well, I got my shot on Saturday at one of the free PA clinics. It went really well - no immediate side affects. My arm didn't even get sore. Also, they were ONLY giving the preservative free version to pregnant women at this particular clinic. I didn't realize that was that accessible, so I was pleasantly surprised when they told me that was what they were giving me. So there was no mercury in my shot.

[keepfitgirl]

Liann - good to hear it went well. I'm having mine this pm and it has both mercury and adjuvant in. On the UK news last night they announced that they now are offering a jab without the adjuvant to pregnant women. However, it isn't clear when it will become available and also it is two injections 3 weeks apart, so I think I'm just going to have to bite the bullet and go for the one dose with the preservatives .

Emma