I'm a nursing mother, is it safe to get a flu shot for myself. PLEASE....no answers that involve "anti-theories" about vaccinations. Thank you in advance.
2007-10-26 07:11:58 · 17 answers · asked by MommyMe 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
i asked my doctor at my postpartum checkup and i asked my 8 week old son's pediatrician. they both said i absolutely should get it. it is recommended for anyone who comes into contact with a child who is under 6 months of age, since they can't get a flu shot and the flu could be deadly for them. plus the immunities that you build up to the flu from the shot will be passed along to your child through your breastmilk which is very beneficial as well
2007-10-26 11:03:45 · answer #1 · answered by Sarah 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm currently a breastfeeding mom and I'm not getting the flu shot for myself or my baby. I never got my son the flu shot until he was 4 - I was pregnant and they recommended we both get it. This past year we both had stomach viruses, and this was the first time we had the flu shot - could be coincidental but I've decided to not get it for any of us this year. You should ask the pediatrician if the shot is safe for you to get while you are nursing, they would know better.
2007-10-26 09:42:59 · answer #2 · answered by tracey 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My oldest daughter is a nursing mom. She is also a teacher. She received her flu shot this week on Wed. It is safe to have a flu shot while breast feeding. She did some research plus asked both her doctor and the baby's doctor before getting it.
2007-10-26 07:23:23 · answer #3 · answered by sevenofus 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes it is safe for you go get the flu shot, and if you child is over 6 months old then he/she can get one it just needs to be split into 2 doses 30 days apart. And if not 6 months then yes you really should get one so if you get the flu you dont pass it to your precious one cause the flu can kill a baby so young. If in doubt you can always ask your healthcare provider when you go get the shot.
2007-10-26 07:16:18 · answer #4 · answered by resqshanna 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I always did, but I'm not going to this year. I'll take my chances with the flu this year--that shot makes me sick!
Anyway, it's safe to get the flu shot while you're breastfeeding. They say that since you're around a baby, you should get one.
2007-10-26 07:24:47 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes! It's safe!
"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."
2007-10-26 07:14:39 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 10⤊ 2⤋
I don't have documented research on it but I know that babies aren't supposed to get it unless they are at least two. I am sure it can cross through your milk.
I am admittedly a non-vaccinator so my answer is biased, but I would wait until your baby is older just in case it crosses into your milk.
If you do go through with it, be sure to request from your doctor (ahead of time, they might have to order ahead) that your flu shot be THIMEROSOL FREE. Thimerosol contains mercury - which not only crosses the placenta but builds up in your system as well. I wont' go into the risks of mercury poisoning, I just wanted to put that out there so if you do get it - you can at least avoid that.
2007-10-26 07:23:31 · answer #7 · answered by Melissa N 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Yes it is. Just don't bother to get one for your baby, you'll pass on more than enough protection :)
And the shot is a dead virus, the nasal spray is still alive... so defenitely get the shot :)
http://www.kellymom.com/health/meds/vaccines-bf.html#flu
2007-10-26 07:16:07 · answer #8 · answered by Tanya 6 · 5⤊ 1⤋
Yes, it's perfectly safe for you to get a flu shot while nursing. :)
http://parenting.ivillage.com/newborn/nbreastfeed/0,,midwife_40s9,00.html
2007-10-26 07:17:08 · answer #9 · answered by AV 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think you should ask the doctor. I swear...everybody has a different opinion about everything. I call my ob *I just called her today about a certain med another doc wants to be me on* and check to be sure it is okay. Or call your babies doc. It's the best way to know.
2007-10-26 07:15:44 · answer #10 · answered by fromthecabbagepatch 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋