Is it safe to get a flu shot right before getting pregnant?

Question

I want to get a flu shot right now but am wondering if it will cause any harm to the fetus if I happen to get pregnant in the next few weeks.

Answer 1

I am 10 weeks pregnant and considering whether to have the vaccine or not. It's not an easy answer. I have read the pro's and con's and decided with my partner not to have the vaccination. However I think it is best for you to weigh up the pro's and con's and decide for yourself, perhaps consult your doctor.

This year doctors are recommending that pregnant women shoul have the vaccine as the benefits outweigh the risks. However it was a different story last year!.

This is a report from the center for disease control and prevention;
Is it safe for pregnant women to receive an influenza vaccine that contains thimerosal?
Yes. A study of influenza vaccination examining over 2,000 pregnant women demonstrated no adverse fetal effects associated with influenza vaccine. Case reports and limited studies indicate that pregnancy can increase the risk for serious medical complications of influenza. One study found that out of every 10,000 women in their third trimester of pregnancy during an average flu season, 25 will be hospitalized for flu related complications. Additionally, influenza-associated excess deaths among pregnant women have been documented during influenza pandemics. Because pregnant women are at increased risk for influenza-related complications and because a substantial safety margin has been incorporated into the health guidance values for organic mercury exposure, the benefits of influenza vaccine with reduced or standard thimerosal content outweighs the theoretical risk, if any, of thimerosal.

However other evidence suggests that it may be unsafe.
There are four drug manufacturers for this year's flu vaccine. The product package inserts published by the manufacturers state the disclaimer that "Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with influenza virus vaccine. It is also not known whether influenza virus vaccine can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman...Although animal
reproductive studies have not been conducted, the prescribing health-care provider should be aware of the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices...The ACIP states that, if used during pregnancy,
administration of influenza virus vaccine after 14 weeks of gestation may be preferable to avoid coincidental association of the vaccine with early pregnancy loss..."

Additional reading and phone calls to the manufacturers confirmed that all four flu vaccines contain thimerosal, a mercury derivative preservative banned by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in over-the-counter (OTC) drug preparations because of questions over safety. (Federal Register: April 22, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 77)][Page 19799-19802].

Please also read these documents
http://aboutautism.blogspot.com/2005/11/influenza-vaccine-during-pregancy.html

I hope this helps in making your decision. Good luck

Answer 2

I would defiantely get it now before you get pregnant. I got one this year in my second trimester (my doctor highly recommended it) but she also cautioned about getting it in the first trimester. If you get the flu shot in the next couple days, then it should be fine. Otherwise you will have to wait 13 or more weeks before getting the shot when you are in the second trimester, and by then the flu won't be as prevelant. The first trimester was really rough (and even part of the second trimester.) I couldn't have possibly done it while having the flu at the same time, I was sooo sick already.

Answer 3

you should get the flu shot if you are not pregnant yet. Or wait til your 2nd trimester to get one. Taking a flu shot in the 1st trimester is not recommended.

Answer 4

I thought they suggested pregnant women get the flu shot anyway... ask your OB.