Thimerosal and the Flu Vaccine

There is still a great deal of concern in the press and especially cyberspace regarding Thimerosal, which is a mercury containing compound.  This is despite a wealth of evidence that it in no way leads to, or causes, autism.  However, there is some logic to these concerns.  Mercury is a known neurotoxin.  Given in high enough doses it can be lethal.  Thus, it stands to reason that there is no “good” amount of mercury.  Where one can avoid mercury, it makes good sense to do so.

What is Thimerosal?

It is a preservative used in the manufacturing process of many different vaccines.  Preservatives in vaccines keep them from getting contaminated with bacteria, which if injected along with the vaccines, could cause serious infections.  Because of all the controversy in the last decade, many manufacturers have removed it from their products, although a few have not.

Is it safe?

All the medical evidence to date suggests the tiny amount of thimerosal in most products is safe.

Do all vaccines contain it?

No.  It is mainly contained in multi-dose vials of vaccine.  This means that your doctor can buy a large bottle of a vaccine and split it up between 10 or 20 patients.  However, most vaccines are also available in single-dose vials.  This means that the vaccine is just for one person.  Virtually all single-dose vials are preservative free, which means no detectable mercury.

Can I get the Flu vaccine without thimerosal?

Yes.  There are many different manufacturers of each vaccine.  The seasonal (normal) flu shot is available in both a multi-dose form and a single-dose form (which is thimerosal-free).

Click here for a chart of the different manufacturers and their relative thimerosal contents.

How do I find the thimerosal-free vaccine?

I suggest that you start with your regular doctor.  Ask specifically about the Flu vaccine and if it is:

1. Preservative free?
2. Thimerosal Free?
3. Multi-dose of single dose?

You will probably find that for cost reasons, most medical facilities do not carry the single-dose vaccine.  If this is the case you should check with the chain pharmacies (like Walgreens or CVS).  Call your local store and ask the same questions.  If they do not have it, ask if they know of anyone who does.

If may take a little effort on your part but in most decent-sized cities you will be able to find the thimerosal-free version if you look hard enough.

Is it more expensive?

Only slightly.  Last year it was a few dollars more that the standard vaccine.  The biggest problem is that if you have to get it from some place other than your doctor’s office, you will likely have to pay the entire bill yourself, which last year was about $25.

What about the new H1N1 Flu vaccine?

From what I read, there will also be  a single-dose, preservative-free, no-thimerosal, H1N1 Flu vaccine this year.

Take Home Message

In my mind it seems reasonable to avoid thimerosal when possible – especially for pregnant women, nursing moms, and small children.  However, there is no doubt in my mind that the potential risks of the thimerosal are far smaller than the potential risks of the disease for which the vaccine protects.  Use some common sense and do not skip important vaccines simply because you cannot find the thimerosal-free variant.

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References

FDA article on Thimerosal – This is an excellent article published by the FDA that covers pretty much everything you might want to know related to Thimerosal.

CDC article on Thimerosal – This is a great article from the CDC that covers Thimerosal in the Flu vaccine.

CDC H1N1 Vaccine Article – This is another article from the CD that discusses H1N1 vaccination

WSJ Article