Today I was texting my aunt and found out she had the flu. I was telling her 3 girls at work had it so I knew it was going around. She told me she hopes I don't get it since I'm pregnant. I told her I got the flu vaccine at 16 weeks and I've been fine. I then get pages of text messages asking me how I could do that to my baby. I was so confused and then she sent me articles about getting the flue vaccine causes autism and the vaccine kills people more than helps. Basically all the articles she sent said the vaccine actually made you sick and/or just had a placebo effect. First, my brother has autism, would you think I didn't do research or talk to my doctor? Also, I've already gotten the shot so her point is worthless, just fear mongering in my opionion. When I asked my doctor about flu shot risks she said i am high risk due to having multiple miscarriages and horrible morning sickness and suggested the vaccine. She said there are theories that MAY correlate the flu vaccine having increased chances of autism when the woman gets it while pregnant, but only in the first trimester. Because of this, my doctor said most places will not even give the vaccine to anyone pregnant unless they are at least in their second trimester.

I never texted my aunt back and have just been stewing all day. I called my mom in disbelief. Even back when everyone claimed vaccines caused autism my mom didn't believe it even though my brother is autistic. We've been to many universities, conferences and support groups so we know the information out there and stand by our own beliefs. I'm just astounded at the soapbox party after the fact.

Sorry, rant over.