I want to get a flu shot tomorrow to protect my family. Question is, I know the vaccine contains thimerosal. Does it affect my breast milk? I'm very concerned. I've also asked several doctors for the mercury free version, but no one seems to have it.
Can I still get my shot? Would it protect her as well?
2006-11-15 10:49:14 · 9 answers · asked by BarbieQ 6 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
The flu shot won't protect your baby, but if you did happen to get the flu your body would produce antibodies and those would be passed in your breast milk, which WOULD protect your baby. DO NOT get FluMist, the nasal spray, because it is a live vaccine and there is a very good chance you would pass on the virus to your baby.
2006-11-15 11:17:33 · answer #1 · answered by Dirtpuddle 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I've had the flu shot the past 2 years and have also been breast feeding over that time. It is safe for you and baby. A newborn can get extremely sick if you bring home the flu so, it is in the best interest of your baby for you and any other members of your household get the flu shot.
2006-11-15 10:57:20 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many moms wonder specifically about the flu vaccine. This, like other vaccines, can be administered to nursing mothers. According to Prevention and Control of Influenza: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), from the US Centers for Disease Control:
"Influenza vaccine does not affect the safety of mothers who are breastfeeding or their infants. Breastfeeding does not adversely affect the immune response and is not a contraindication for vaccination."
There are currently two forms of the flu vaccine:
The intranasal (nasal mist) form of the influenza vaccine (trade-name FluMist™) is an attenuated (weakened) live vaccine. It is approved for use only in healthy people between the ages of 5 and 49 years. Per the CDC, "The current estimated risk of getting infected with vaccine virus after close contact with a person vaccinated with the nasal-spray flu vaccine is low (0.6%-2.4%)."
The standard, injectable form of the flu vaccine is an inactivated (killed) vaccine.
The CDC indicates that either form of the vaccine is acceptable for a breastfeeding mother, as long as she otherwise meets requirements for receiving the vaccine.
2006-11-15 10:58:56 · answer #3 · answered by momma2mingbu 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I dont know about the mercury free version but my pediatrician told me and my husband to get the flu shot so that we didnt give our newborn the flu since she is too young to get the shot herself. She said that the baby doesnt get any antibodies through my breastmilk but that its just recommended so that her chances of getting the flu herself were lower. Babies can die from the flu so I had got my shot as soon as I could.
2006-11-15 10:54:18 · answer #4 · answered by 343535445 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
plenty safer than getting the flu. particularly in the adventure that your infant is decrease than 6 months previous and would't get a flu shot. You being vaccinated can evade the newborn from getting it. Your infant has incredibly much no immune gadget-in case you get the flu, your infant will too. that's plenty greater extreme in a newborn than it's going to be for you too.
2016-10-15 14:36:27 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I asked my doctor the same question and she said there will be no harm done to your baby. The shot will vaccinate your baby especially if you plan to breast feed.
2006-11-15 10:56:58 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is better to get the flu shot then pass the flu on to your baby or to get so sick with the flu you can't take care of your baby
2006-11-15 10:51:07 · answer #7 · answered by keith s 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask the doc giving the shot they will know for sure!
2006-11-15 10:52:58 · answer #8 · answered by lola 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
seems like the antibodies would pass through the milk
2006-11-15 10:51:03 · answer #9 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋