Now that the rain has finally stopped, I can go back to the topic that seems to be high in many people’s mind: how safe is the flu shot? And does it contain mercury?
As I mentioned in my last post, the head of the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Disease says the swine flu shot is as safe as any flu shot becaue it’s made the same way with the same manufacturers. That may be true, but what people ought to know is that many of the flu shots available contain the mercury-containing preservative Thimerosal.
What’s the big deal, you ask? Mercury is a known neurotoxin, and there are some strong believers that Thimerosal in vaccines is linked to the rising rates of autism in our country. This theory has been discredited by the Institute of Medicine, a not for profit, non-governmental organization associated with the United States National Academy of Science, which was tasked with investigating any possible link.
That being said, as a precautionary move, our government phased out Thimerosal as a preservative in children’s vaccines back in 2001. Influenza vaccine is one of a handful of exceptions. Flu shots in multidose vials contain Thimerosal. Single dose flu shot vials and the nasal vaccine do not.
So what should you do? I’ll probably have my kids get the nasal vaccine. It doesn’t contain Thimerosal, and it doesn’t involve a poke with a needle. Now, this isn’t recommended for asthmatics or anyone with a compromised immune system since the nasal vaccine contains live attenuated virus. Other people who should steer clear of the nasal vaccine include pregnant women and people with heart disease or diabetes.
And myself? I’ll take the regular shot, with or without thimerosal. The amount of mercury in the flu vaccine is about 25 micrograms. To compare, a tuna fish sandwich contains about 28 micrograms of the heavy metal. I’m not worried about eating a tuna fish sandwich. Why should I worry about a shot? On the other hand, as a health care provider, I do worry about swine flu. I’m exposed to it at work and out in the community. The benefits of a flu shot clearly outweigh the risks in my eyes.
If you find yourself troubled about mercury and are ineligible for the nasal vaccine, you can request a flu shot from a single-dose vial (which doesn’t contain Thimerosal). These shots are in limited supply, so you may be forced to wait to get vaccinated, but Thimersosal-free shots are out there. Contact your primary care physician for further details.
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I went to get the kids shots this week, and they are not available anywhere around here…. Allergy doc isn’t getting them at all, and Ped is out until early Nov. Now this is just for the regular flu shot. I have been told by everyone I ask here that the swine flu one is not avail at all yet.
Are you guys getting both shots?
I went to the Doctor today and had the regular flu shot. He said I should get the H1N1 but his office does not have it. Anne said her husband’s office has not received the H1N1 yet. The State of Nevada hasn’t received them, so they haven’t???? Seems strange when state like Oregon and Washington are offering them in schools to their population. Any information, Rachel?
Rachel, I am enjoying your blog very much.
Keep it up!
Verity