Pregnant and debating getting the flu shot - Advice??

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I work in the ICU and I am in my second trimester. I am worried about getting the flu shot because even the preservative free shot contains mercury. I know the flu shot only protects from a couple strains and getting vaccinated is not a guarantee that you won't get the flu. However, I am also worried about not being vaccinated especially because of the population I work with. Does anyone have any personal experiences with this?

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

I recommend reading what the CDC has to say about pregnancy and flu vaccines. Regarding the mercury - you can also check their site and learn that NO EVIDENCE exists to relate vaccinations to birth defects. But be informed. Best of luck with your pregnancy!

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According to the CDC, CDC - Seasonal Influenza (Flu) - Questions & Answers - Thimerosal and 2012-2013 Seasonal Flu Vaccines

"The single-dose units are made without thimerosal as a preservative because they are intended to be opened and used only once. Additionally, the live-attenuated version of the vaccine (the nasal spray vaccine), is produced in single-dose units and does not contain thimerosal."

So there you are. Factual information. The preservative-free vaccine does NOT contain mercury.

FWIW, I asked my pediatrician whether I should take the hepatitis vaccine when my baby was breast feeding (I worked in a high-risk environment at the time). He said, "It's better for the baby if his mother doesn't get hepatitis." Good point.

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

People die of the flu. Even newborns.

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Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

We're not supposed to give ANY medical advice. Ask your OB what he/she recommends.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Sorry, as per the terms of service of this site "Medical Advice: ALLNURSES.COM, INC or it's members do not offer medical advice. Any requests for such will be taken down. If you have a medical problem, please seek attention from your health care provider. You are not allowed to ask for medical advice related to a health situation that affects you, a family member, or someone you know."

This is an issue that you need to discuss with your OB and primary physician as they know your current condition and your past medical history. We cannot advise you over an anonymous internet message board.

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