Though symptoms of swine flu (H1N1) are similar to the regular seasonal flu, the likelihood of fatal complications is much higher with the H1N1 virus.
That's why in October of 2009, the American Center for Disease Control introduced new versions of H1N1 vaccine to the public in an effort to counteract the swine flu pandemic.
But some approved influenza vaccines contain the preservative thimerosal, causing many parents to reconsider getting a swine flu shot for their children.
Forumlations of H1N1 Vaccine Containing Thimerosal
Groups who are most at-risk for swine flu complications are advised to get vaccinated against the strain of influenza. These include pregnant women, those with compromised immune systems, and children.
There are currently three FDA-approved formulations of the H1N1 influenza vaccine. These are:
- Nasal spray/flu mist
- Flu shot with thimerosal
- Flu shot without thimerosal
The nasal spray is thimerosal-free, but most versions of the traditional injection-type vaccine contain at least trace amounts of thimerosal.
What is Thimerosal?
Thimerosal is a preservative that was once routinely contained in vaccines. Safety concerns over the use of thimerosal in vaccines led to the removal of that ingredient from all childhood immunizations as a precaution. Since 2001, no new childhood vaccine containing more than trace amounts of thimerosal has been approved by the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA.)
Why Does the Swine Flu Vaccine Contain Thimerosal?
According to the CDC, the purpose of using thimerosal in vaccines is to protect against microbial contamination. This is especially an issue with opened vials of vaccine containing multiple doses. H1N1 vaccine that contains several doses per vial include thimerosal to safeguard against possible contamination. Some manufacturers are producing single-dose vials of H1N1 vaccine that do not require thimerosal or other preservatives.
Link Between Thimerosal and Autism
Concerns about thimerosal triggering autism in some children has lead some parents to seek out thimerosal-free vaccines. Vaccines and autism have been a subject of speculation for many years, but research from the CDC, FDA, and American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that thimerosal is safe to use. The CDC also notes that since thimerosal was eliminated from childhood vaccines in 2001, the incidence of autism has not decreased accordingly.
Even with the suggested risks associated with thimerosal, the CDC continues to urge everyone at risk to get a flu shot to protect themselves. The benefits of H1N1 vaccine, the CDC says, far outweigh the potential risks posed by getting vaccinated against swine flu.
Source:
"General Questions and Answers on Thimerosal," the American Center for Disease Control. September 14, 2009.
Jenny Evans - Jenny Evans is a freelance writer and editor specializing in parenting and the family. She is also the Mormonism Topic Editor for ...
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