I will admit I was reluctant to get it. A couple years ago I was the flu shot nurse at a local hospital. It seemed like health care workers came from out of the woodwork to tell me their vaccination horror stories. Then, I blogged about itand heard even more horror stories in the comments. I typically am one to go by statistical evidence rather than anecdotal evidence, but I have to admit, the stories spooked me. So much so that I haven’t gotten a flu shot since then.
And I didn’t get vaccinated because I’m a nurse. I haven’t actually worked since July and don’t intend to go back to work any time soon. No, I got it because I’m pregnant.
Previously I was very reluctant to get it. My rationale was that I’m healthy and I rarely leave the house. Plus I’m one of those people that question everything, especially the safety and efficacy of drugs.
What made me change my mind? Simple. The doctor said, it’s the only way you’ll be able to transfer immunity from the virus to your babies. So I got it. Because it’s not about me, anymore. It’s about the babies.
And if I end up having my own vaccination horror story? I’ll be sure to blog all about it. Cross your fingers I won’t have to.
fingers crossed for you dear.
I have been of similar mindset for a while. I am not pregnant, and never will be. However, the number need to treat is quite low for vaccinations and although I can deal with any illness other people I may transmit the flu to might not.
Thanks so much for sharing this point of view. Certainly a valid point. Hope you are well!
Well, if you look at the NIH article on GBS, (www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/gbs/gbs.htm) they point out that it’s not just vaccines that trigger it. Getting sick can also trigger it, as can surgery. In fact, it looks like almost any time your immune system is taxed you can (rarely) end up with GBS.I also saw a news article today, a kid in VA got GBS 18hrs after the h1n1 vaccine, bringing the total so far to 5 GBS cases in 40 million h1n1 shots. He’s expected to recover fully, but will need a couple of months of PT.On the other side of it, one of my sister’s friends is pregnant and ended up on a ventilator for about a week after coming down with h1n1 and viral pneumonia set in.Both are rare extreme cases, but they’re both scary none the less.
I just had mine too….my homepage link is to the post about it….Blinkin’ nora, my arm ached for days afterwards and I’ve just developed a nice viral rash…but I feel fine, so that’s good!!Also bad news for you….your babes share a birthday with me!!!