Swine flu vaccine: Is it safe for pregnant women?
- Cara Natterson MD
- Jay Gordon MD
- Robert Sears MD
The swine flu vaccine debate heats up even more than usual when the question of it's safety involves pregnant women. Yes, they're considered a "high risk" group - - but is the H1N1 vaccine going to protect them or possibly put them in more danger? Join our Parents Ask experts Dr. Jay Gordon, Dr. Cara Natterson and Dr. Bob Sears as they share their very different views on whether or not moms-to-be should get the shot.
Want more information about the safety of the vaccine for pregnant women? Here's the breakdown of the facts and opinions that brought our experts to YES and NO.
Yes, the vaccine is safe for pregnant women.
Dr. Cara Natterson says YES and is in agreement with the CDC guidelines and recommendations.
Why?
- The benefit to mother and baby is much greater than most imagine and far outweigh the risks.
- A pregnant woman's immune system is basically "turned down" during pregnancy, therefore making her much more susceptible to getting the swine flu virus. There's a reason pregnant women are considered "high risk" and should be treated accordingly.
- Pregnant women have been getting the seasonal flu vaccine for years with very few issues. The swine flu vaccine is very similar.
Want to read more?
- Pregnant women get "robust protection" from only one dose of vaccine - Web MD
- Vaccine cleared of blame for 41 deaths - Food Consumer
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No, the vaccine should not be given to pregnant women.
Dr. Jay Gordon and Dr. Bob Sears don't believe that pregnant women should get the vaccine.
Why?
- The vaccines have not been tested on a large enough group. The data was extrapolated from only 100 women and this is not an acceptable number of people to support a vaccine being administered to millions.
- The prescribing information for the vaccine clearly states that the medicine has never been safety tested to see if they cause fetal harm. This is of great concern to both doctors.
- If there's ever a time NOT to inject yourself with a new medication, it's during pregnancy.
Want to read more?
- Are vaccine deaths being kept secret due to secret contracts with vaccine manufacturers? - National Expositor
- Are pregnant women who don't get the shot putting their babies at risk? - Parent Dish UK
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