Guest guest Posted October 11, 2009 Report Share Posted October 11, 2009 >>> A concern I have is Thimerosol, a mercury preservative used in the regular flu vaccine. Flumist does not have it, but will the injectable H1N1? <<< Steve, According to the Centers for Disease Control [CDC] (2009a), there is no convincing evidence of harm caused by the low doses of thimerosal in vaccines, except for minor reactions like redness and swelling at the injection site. However, all routinely recommended licensed pediatric vaccines currently manufactured for the U.S. market, with the exception of influenza vaccine, contain no thimerosal or only trace amounts (CDC, 2009a). Thimerosal preservative-free influenza vaccines are available, but in limited quantities. Those quantities will increase as manufacturing capabilities expand. Drug companies will manufacture the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccines in several formulations (CDC, 2009b). Some will come in multi-dose vials and will contain thimerosal as a preservative to ensure sterility once the vial is opened. Some companies will produce 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine in single-dose units, which will not require the use of thimerosal. In addition, as you pointed out, the intranasal formulation will not contain thimerosal. Kenny Navarro Dallas References Centers for Disease Control [CDC]. (2009a). Thimerosal in seasonal influenza vaccine. Retrieved October 11, 2009, from http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/thimerosal.htm Centers for Disease Control [CDC]. (2009b). General questions and answers on thimerosal. Retrieved October 11, 2009, from http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/thimerosal_qa.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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