Is there mercury in the H1N1 vaccine?

Answer 1

There is a minuscule amount of Mercury in the preservative used to keep the A-H1N1/09 Pandemic Swine Flu vaccine safe (thimerosal). The amount of this in a dose of vaccine would be about the same as you would get in a single meal of fish.

There have been very few reactions or problems with this method of vaccine development and delivery and there is no scientific data to support the concerns that some have voiced about the preservative thimerosal. There is no cause and effect data in scientific studies that links autism or other problems to the thimerosal.

However, there may be some manufacturers who will be developing single doses of vaccine that will not contain the thimerosal which may be available to those who have this concern. The larger 10cc vials will have to have the preservative added, but single dose vials and single dose pre-loaded syringes may be an option for some. Discuss this with your health care professional and the provider from whom you plan to get the shot in advance of presenting for the vaccination if you have concerns.