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Do they normally publish clinical trial results for the seasonal flu vaccine?? My doc says this vaccine is "using the same technology" as the seasonal flu vaccine and that it would have been included in the seasonal vaccine if it had been detected earlier.

I'm really conflicted about getting the swine flu vaccine. I'm almost 8 mos pregnant (one of "high risk" groups). Apparently this flu is hard on pregnant women w/us being 6x more likely to die from it because it's such a respiratory illness. I am normally against getting a flu vaccine and really don't want to get this one, but don't know which is worse: putting this vaccine in my (and my baby's) body, or subjecting both of us (not to mention my hubby and 2 y.o.) to the flu if I do get sick. Of course, my OB is telling me to get the vaccine....

I currently have the swine flu. I’m on Day 6. It is horrid. Your baby does not need to be subjected to oxygen deprivation and two weeks of your body in wracking coughs (doctor says cough will take another week to diminish). You will also be sleep deprived and possibly unable to eat for at least three days.

Your risk of death is 28%. Doesn’t your baby need you alive?

Please get the shot and don’t think twice. I had flu vaccines with all three of my pregnancies, and all of my kids are strong and healthy. Many Freepers can verify that.

Flu vaccines do not undergo the same multi-year FDA approval procedures as new drugs. That's impossible as the virus mutates and new vaccines must be made every year. Furthermore, the vaccine-making process can not even start until new stains show up early in the flu season, so the window for manufacture is just a few months. This has always been the case.

Most of the crap you see here and else-where is simple fear-mongering and paranoia. BTW, the H1N1 vaccines do not contain adjuvants, which are chemicals to stimulate the immune system in general, and are definitely to be avoided. Also, single-dose vaccines without the mercury-based preservative are available, and if you do get the vaccine, you could get a mercury-free one.

Getting any vaccine can be a difficult choice. It depends on the state of your health, immune system, risk of exposure, and other individual circumstances. Your best bet is to have a frank discussion with a doctor you really respect and trust, and I know that even finding such a doctor can be difficult. If you do that, go prepared with specific questions you want answered. Write them down. Also, try and see if you can research the issues a bit yourself, trying to find legitimate web sites (not the tin-foil hat ones), so that you have some basis of judging the veracity of your doctor's advice, and which questions you want answered.

I wish you the best of luck in making this difficult decision.

[[Do they normally publish clinical trial results for the seasonal flu vaccine?? My doc says this vaccine is “using the same technology” as the seasonal flu vaccine and that it would have been included in the seasonal vaccine if it had been detected earlier. ]]

“Is the swine flu vaccine safe?

Yes. Its nonvirus components are the same as those used in the seasonal flu vaccine, which has been tested extensively and monitored for serious reactions for several years. The only difference is that in the swine flu vaccine, novel H1N1 virus replaces the influenza A viruses used in the regular vaccine.”

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/swine-flu-vaccine/MY00816

“Will there be a version of the vaccine that doesn’t contain the preservative thimerosal?

Yes. The nasal spray is preservative-free, as is injectable vaccine in filled, single-dose syringes. Multiple-dose vials do contain thimerosal.”

You say you are normally against getting the flu vaccine and you don’t want to get this one. Why would you change your mind now? Continue to follow your best judgment and don’t be bullied into doing something you “really don’t” want to do.

Personally, I would not take the H1N1 under any circumstances -- especially if I were pregnant. Has the vaccine been proven to be effective? Has it been proven to be safe? More importantly, has it been tested on pregnant women EVER? Have there been any studies on the short term and long term effects on newborns?

Of course you want to do everything you can to keep you and your baby healthy and safe. But is an untested and unproven vaccine the answer? Or, can you achieve the results you want without the risks? IMHO, I believe this can absolutely be accomplished by utilizing natural, non-toxic substances that have shown to be very effective at preventing the flu such as D3, Vitamin C, etc.

There are a lot of knowledgeable freepers who would help you in this arena. (Research wise). Perhaps you can find a DO in your area that will guide and help you with the appropriate natural vitamins for pregnant women in order to prevent the flu naturally.

All of the best to you and your baby!!