Is there thimerosal in the H1N1 vaccine?
Some H1N1 flu vaccines have a preservative called thimerosal. Although some people have suggested a link between thimerosal and autism, medical experts from the Institutes of Medicine (IOM) have thoroughly researched the issue and concluded that thimerosal-containing vaccines are NOT associated with autism. However, if you’re still concerned, a thimerosal-free version of the H1N1 vaccine is available.
The 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccines that FDA is licensing (approving) will be manufactured in several formulations. Some will come in multi-dose vials and will contain thimerosal as a preservative. Multi-dose vials of seasonal influenza vaccine also contain thimerosal to prevent potential contamination after the vial is opened.
Some vaccine manufacturers will be producing 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine in single-dose units, which will not require the use of thimerosal as a preservative. In addition, the live-attenuated version of the vaccine, which is administered intranasally (through the nose), is produced in single-units and will not contain thimerosal. The nasal spray version, however, is not recommended for pregnant women.
Tags: autism, H1N1, Pregnancy, pregnant, preservative, swine flu, thimerosal, vaccination, vaccine
November 5th, 2009 at 10:47 am
Is Thimerosol and mercury the same thing? How much perservative is in the vaccines?
November 5th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
I was really worried to get my son the vaccination before. He is 16 months old and i wasnt sure what could happen to him if he got it, since its a new vaccine.
This article is reassuring that it is a good idea to get it.
I think the the protection from the vaccine will outweigh the risk of getting it.
Also since I’m not a stay at home mom, I am more likely to get it and pass it to him, and also him get it from the daycare, so I feel that women with their children exposed to the public alot should highly consider getting vaccinated.
November 6th, 2009 at 11:29 am
Hi Marni - Thanks for your question. Thimerosal is a preservative that does contain a small amount of mercury. While higher doses of certain forms of mercury may affect brain development, the IOM review concludes that thimerosal-containing vaccines do not.
November 6th, 2009 at 11:30 am
Jill, you’re right. If your child is in daycare, the exposure risk is much higher. Thanks for your comments.
November 15th, 2009 at 12:50 am
I’m concerned about the statements here with regards to the safety of Thimerosal in vaccines. The amount in the vaccines may be small, but the amount that the EPA and the CDC considers safe for daily exposure is in micrograms — quite small. Thimerosal is ethylmercury, which is an inorganic form of merucry; however, some of this will be converted to methylmercury by the body, and then it has no way of getting back out. For a developing fetus, you have to consider that the level of exposure is much greater than in an adult body, as its volume of distribution is much smaller. At EPA acceptable levels, the amount of mercury in the vaccine is too much for a fetus. In fact, if you read the vaccine package insert (readily available on the FDA website), you will see flu vaccines are considered a Category C in pregnancy. This means it has never been tested in pregnant women, and therefore its safety is not known for sure.
November 17th, 2009 at 2:46 pm
Hi Dr. Pedre. Thank you for visiting News Moms Need.
It’s important to note that the seasonal flu vaccine has been around for many years, been given to pregnant women and shown to be safe for most women during pregnancy. Millions of Americans, including pregnant women, get the seasonal flu vaccine each year without any problems. The H1N1 flu vaccines are made in the same way as the seasonal one. To be doubly careful, National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the vaccine makers have conducted more rigorous tests on the H1N1 vaccine than they normally do on other flu vaccines. The clinical trials, which included testing on pregnant women, have shown that the new H1N1 vaccine is both safe and effective for pregnant women and babies. Several prominent health organizations such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have each recommended that pregnant women and children get both the seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccines.
The thimerosal used in some flu vaccines is in a very small amount. In fact, the amount of mercury in vaccines with thimerosal is less than what babies normally get through breastmilk or infant formula. As I mention in my post, medical experts from the Institutes of Medicine (IOM) have thoroughly researched the issue and concluded that thimerosal-containing vaccines are NOT associated with autism.
You’re correct that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) assigns a letter grade (A, B, C, D, X) to prescription medications and treatments. In general, most medications and treatments are not tested on pregnant women in a traditional setting (clinical trials, studies, etc.). However, a category C medication or treatment doesn’t necessarily mean it’s unsafe for pregnant women. As the FDA notes, the benefits of a category C medication or treatment during pregnancy may outweigh any risks. And that’s what pregnant women need to keep in mind –the benefits of both the seasonal flu and H1N1 flu vaccines on you and your baby’s health far outweigh any potential risk.
November 17th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Lindsay,
very good information, however many people, yourself included seem to forget the mercury in the vaccine is injected into the body, which is different than entering in your body through consumption and must go through your stomach acids, intestinal track and liver.
Nonetheless, I tend to agree that the Mercury content is not a cause for concern in small dosages, however, what about taking the vaccine every year?
November 20th, 2009 at 10:25 am
Hi Mr. Research -
I discussed this with colleagues and it’s important to note that the amount of mercury in vaccines is very small, even if multiple vaccines are given over many years. In the future, the H1N1 vaccine probably will be included with the seasonal flu vaccine, so this will mean fewer shots and less exposure. And if someone still is concerned, mercury-free versions are available.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your comments.
November 30th, 2009 at 1:53 am
Thimerosal is what it is. Remember the black and white films in grade school “FLUORIDE is our Friend”.
Those who have understanding - keep your EYES open.
Also, I would like to thank you for your open forum.
January 6th, 2010 at 11:52 pm
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