FLU VACCINE

[DianeArnold]

Hi Pregnant Ladies.

It is recommended that all pregnant women should have the flu vaccine, whatever stage of pregnancy they're in.

This is because there is good evidence that pregnant women have an increased risk of developing complications if they get flu, particularly from the H1N1 strain (Swine Flu).

Studies have shown that the flu vaccine can be safely and effectively given during any trimester of pregnancy. The vaccine does not carry risks for either the mother or baby. In fact, studies have shown that mothers who have had the vaccine while pregnant pass some protection to their babies, which lasts for the first few months of their lives.

Diane xx

[embiemomma]

Hi Dianne, is it also recommended for breastfeeding mamas?

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK in reply to embiemomma]

Hi embiemomma. Yes, it's OK because it's not a "live" vaccine, so can't harm baby. Hope everything is going well. Diane

[embiemomma in reply to DianeArnold]

great, I will get mine then. All is good thank you! Little baba is 6 months old now! IVF seems a lifetime ago!

[LisaMV]

Diane 100 percent agree. Had mine on Monday. I am high risk anyhow due to my lung disease so would be having it anyhow. Hate the idea of pregnant women not getting it because of scare mongering. Xx

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK in reply to LisaMV]

Hi LisaMV. Well done, and thank you for saying so, so that others won't get scared. Diane

[LisaMV in reply to DianeArnold]

I don't think people should be scared, just relieved it's there. Flu in pregnant women can be extremely dangerous as you know xxx

[kt_11]

Thanks for the recommendation. This year's 'flu campaign' started today at my work (I work in a large NHS trust and they provide the vaccine to all clinical staff) so I will make sure I get in the queue for mine next week!

[Anipea]

Thanks for the heads up. I am 5 weeks on Monday. I am worried this might be too early?

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK in reply to Anipea]

It's not too early, but if you're worried, speak to your GP. Diane

[Hidden]

Just had mine done ready for my next ivf round 😊

[MrsTM13]

I had my flu vaccination in my last pregnancy and I felt ill from that day onwards and was the last morning I had sickness. I found out the next week I'd miscarried. Whereas some of my friends have had it since and been fine i will never have it again. There are some studies that links it to miscarriage which I found out afterwards. : /

[Anipea in reply to MrsTM13]

Thanks for the warning. I will take that into account

[LisaMV in reply to Anipea]

Studies have proven time and time again that miscarriage doesn't happen because you have the flu vaccine. I am really sorry you had a miscarriage Mrs T but it would have happened without the flu vaccine. Reallly hopes your next pregnancy sticks Mrs T xxxx

[Oakey80]

Hi I had mine yesterday! My doctors don't offer appointments for these, just a walk in clinic on a Saturday morning (first come first served)...I didn't fancy hanging around but my dad gave me the tip, I can book it at a pharmacy and still get it for free as I'm pregnant. I booked it online no worries and didn't even need to show my nhs exempt card. It was done and dusted in 5 mins and I'm so far so good!

[sk85]

Is it ok to have this while on the Burserelin and Menopur injections?

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK in reply to sk85]

Yes it is. If worried check with your GP. Diane

[hannahi]

Hi should I get this done before I start IVF? Am I entitled on nhs if I'm not pregnant or will I need to pay? Thanks for your help Diane x

[Lizzielizzielizzie in reply to hannahi]

Hi Hannah

I've always had it done every winter since I started ttc and have had to pay, but it was only £5 last winter in Asda- cheapest place I've found xx

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK in reply to Lizzielizzielizzie]

There you go, there are plenty of offers about. Diane

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK in reply to hannahi]

Not available on NHS unless you have life long illness. Lots of chemists and supermarkets offer it now quite cheaply. Speak to your GP anyway, just in case he/she will do it for free, as I've heard some do. Lots of work places offer them too now. Good luck! Diane

[Peppy26]

I had my first ever flu jab yesterday, as am starting my first IVF cycle this month. Was concerned before I had it done but after reading up on it and asking other friends who have had successful pregnancies and always had flu jabs during them I decided to get mine done. Thank you DianeArnold for posting helpful advice. 😀