Question about flu shot.

I have never had a flu  shot in my life.  I have also only had the flu a handful of times.  My question is since i am pre-op and scheduled for surgery on Nov. 5 should i go ahead and get the flu shot before the surgery?  I am a bit worried that with my luck this will be the year i get the flu and most likely get it the week i am scheduled for surgery.

What do you all suggest?

Get it?  don't get it?  


I have my last appointment with my surgeon on tuesday and will be asking him for his advice as well.

Funny you posted this.  I was just about to post a very similar question when I saw yours.

My own question was going to be should I be definitely getting the flu shot now that I'm post-op.  I am also going to ask my surgeon when I see him on Friday.  While I'm obviously taking tons of vitamins, I do wonder if our immune systems are slightly less than stellar now with the caloric restrictions.

Plus ... my local Rite-Aid informed me they will do mine for free through my insurance.  Love that!  No co-pay.

My guess is that the answer for both of us will be yes, get the shot.  I've gotten it maybe 2 or 3 times in my life.  I don't think there's any harm in doing it either pre or post. 

Good luck to you!

:)  GMTA!

I figured there was no harm in getting it.  But since i have never gotten it before i was wondering if i should definetly get it especially since my imune system will probably be a bit compromised right after surgery. 

I have only had the flu once in my life and that was enough.  I get a flu shot every year because I have asthma and colds quickly turn into bronchitis.  My surgery won't be until December but I would rather be safe than sorry at this point.

I would do it now.  your system will be in flux after surgery - wouldn't rather be safe than sorry?

I get the flu shot every year - also pneumonia every other (or whatever the proper schedule is).

My mom was in a nursing home, so having both documented allowed me on the floor, even when they shut it down due to illness...because I was cleared via documentation....

also my immune system is very weak (Due to a liver issue)...so I need all the help I can get....

My WLS isn't scheduled yet (hopefully, it will be tomorrow!), but in the past when I've been scheduled for surgery, my doctor has always asked if I've had one yet for the season.  She always wants her patients to get it BEFORE going into the hospital.

You absolutely want to get the flu shot before surgery if possible to protect you from all of the lovely germs in the hospital that affect so many people because their immune systems are compromised due to surgery or other illness. If you are sufficiently post op, you want to get the flu shot because your immune system isn't in peak form right now as your body heals.

I have worked in schools for years and as a regional supervisor for many schools. We were required to have a flu shot (unless medically unable to do so) to enter the schools (another cesspool of germs, so get flu shots for your kids, too!). My husband never gets a flu vaccine, but he has never had the flu. I've been told that roughly 2% of the general population is naturally immune to the flu virus--maybe he is one of those?

I got my flu vaccine in late AUGUST this year at Target. it was a subdermal one--very small needle, little side effects.

I work for the Health Care Agency in my County and we always encourage people to get the flu shot. I got mine a few weeks ago!!!

This is a question for your surgeon.  I was told by a doctor here at the hospital, it's best to not get it before surgery since it can change your immune system temporarily.  It also takes up to 3 weeks before you are covered by the vaccine.  Call your surgeon's office and get his opinion.  Each surgeon is different an you want to do what he prefers, not what you are told here on OH.

Thanks everyone for the great advice.  I have an appointment with my Surgeon on Tuesday and will double check with him.  I think I will be getting my shot sometime next week so that i have 5 weeks for it to kick in before my surgery.

I will let you all know what the surgeon says.