Thimerosal and the H1N1 (Swine Flu) Vaccine
By Julie Stachowiak, PhD
Multiple Sclerosis Guide; Guest blogger
Thimerosal is a preservative that is used in some vaccines as a preservative and agent to kill any bacteria that may enter the vaccine during the production process. It is 49.6% mercury by weight.
Mercury toxicity has been linked by opponents of its use to learning disabilities, Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, depression, and bipolar disorder, although this link has not been proven in many cases, especially in the case of thimerosal and vaccines. Probably the most outspoken group are parents of autistic children, many of whom claim that the thimerosal in vaccines is responsible for their children's autism. Although the World Health Organization and many other medical associations has determined that there is absolutely no link between the thimerosal in vaccines and these disorders, many people are very cautious about the use of thimerosal in vaccines. I'll admit, as an infectious disease epidemiologist, I am a proponent of vaccines and think thimerosal is great if it allows us to get more vaccines to more people. However, when it comes to my own children, I always make sure that the vaccines do not contain thimerosal. I'm not a huge fan of it in my vaccines, but don't let it stop me from getting an immunization if I need one.
This brings us to the H1N1 vaccine. The H1N1 vaccine that will be released will come in three forms:
- The single-dose inactivated (killed) injected vaccine (the one that is already in a single-use syringe) will NOT contain thimerosal.
- The inactivated injected vaccine that comes in a multi-dose vial WILL contain thimerosal.
- The live attenuated (weakened) vaccine that will be administered intranasally (inhaled) will NOT contain thimerosal.
There are pros and cons to each type of vaccine. Speak to your doctor about which one is right for you and your family members.
NOTE/REVISION: After getting a number of comments on this post, I wanted to clarify a point. Thimerosal itself is 49.6% mercury. However, there is only a very, very small amount of it in each vaccine. As one person comments: "So, if the Thimerosal level in each vial is under 0.1% (as it is by volume), then the mercury content in each vial is under 0.049%. There is more mercury in a tuna sandwich." I apologize for any confusion in the original post.
i hope our pediatrician’s office gets the thim-free one. i will be faced with a tough decision if we can’t have thim-free. no way am i letting them pump mercury into our baby’s veins.
This article draws a link between mercury and autism, and on the last page (p3) states the CDC did a survey for autism but: “In the only question relating to concerns over specific individual vaccines and autism, no box has been provided for MMR.” (MMR = Mumps, Measles, Rubella)
http://www.jpands.org/vol9no3/stott.pdf
This seems like a strong link to me.
um Fred, the flu shot, like all immunizations, is inter-muscular and is not injected in the veins.
I’m really debating getting these shots for my children. Two years ago, I took my autistic daughter to our Pediatrician to get her annual flu shot and she still wound up getting the flu. Every member of my family got the flu shot, in 2007, as a matter of fact, and we ALL got the flu anyway. Last year, armed with this knowledge, I decided not to get the flu shot, and I didn’t take my daughter either. She wound up getting Flu A, Flu B and Strep all at the same time.
I, now, have a 1 year old daughter as well, and I’m really trying to educate myself on the pro’s and con’s of this vaccine. I try not to be one of those parents who obsesses about everything, but I also want to be informed about what I’m exposing my children to.
Everything I’m reading about this so far indicates that this vaccine was rushed. In addition, it contains specific ingrediants that can aggrivate SOME conditions. I know not all versions of the vaccine contain mercury, I encourage all parents to know the ingredients that make the vaccine what it is. With Autism being a concern in my family, I’m on the lookout for products that contain mercury. Because, proof or no proof, speculation or no speculation, in the end, its just not worth it if there is even the slightest chance that it contributes to Autism.
I would even be so bold as to say, most of the people who say “there’s no link and no proof” aren’t parents of children with autism, and don’t have to deal with a daily battle including tantrums and repetition, and stepping on eggshells to avoid a “bad” day. The loudest group of opposition IS the group of parents with autistic children because, frankly, even if there is less than a 1% risk, it just isn’t worth it to us.
I am not against vaccinations, just against ignorance. Like many of you, I go back and forth on this. Should I? Shouldn’t I? I would protect my children from even a really bad flu if I could. But no matter what I decide, I can guaruntee you, I will be there asking questions. The only advocate our kids have- IS us.
THE THING THAT BOTHERS ME THE MOST IS THE PRESIDENT HAS ALREADY GRANTED THE COMPANY THAT MAKES THE H1N1 VAC. IMMUNITY FROM LAW SUITES! THAT IS MORE THAN ENOUGH OF A RED FLAG FOR ME.
Mercury is mercury, whether in the veins or the muscles, so, I totally understand Fred’s concern here.
I have many of the same concerns voiced here, and normally will not get the flu shot because it’s a bit of a guessing game with that. Each year they “suppose” the strain to immunize against, based on criteria from previous years, and what’s going on worldwide so, it’s no wonder you get sick anyway, even if you get the shot.
With H1N1 though, it’s different. They know exactly what to immunize against. Older folks that were exposed to it in the 50s, aren’t at as much of a risk as younger people who were not. Because it’s so specific, I’m going to get it when it comes available here in the next few weeks (I have no children; I’m in my 40s; I’m otherwise healthy; I’m at the end of the line…) My ex is a registered nurse, and though he has supported my decision throughout the years to not get the regular flu shot, he has even recommended that I get this one, as has my new sister-in-law, who is a medical lab technician (she’s given me more truthful, unbiased information than I could hope for!)
It’s just so sick that we have to have Thimerasol in the vaccines, when many countries banned the crap over 20 years ago. Why in the hell didn’t we?
I have a son with Autistic traits, seizure disorder and cerebral palsy traits. I am a little concerned on wether he should get the H1N1 vacine myself due to what I just read about the vacine. Im concerned it will have to much of an affect on him. If this vacine has 49.6% mercury, I am not about to get this vacine to him. No one knows what raising a child with these traits goes through except the proud parents that take on this responsibility.
The facts that are misrepresented/misunderstood here are amazing.
Thimerosal is 49.6% mercury. The vaccine is not 49.6% mercury. Thimerosal is a preservative that is used in trace amounts in each vial of the flu vaccine. So, if the Thimerosal level in each vial is under 0.1% (as it is by volume), then the mercury content in each vial is under 0.049%. There is more mercury in a tuna sandwich.
Oh my! Jeff is absolutely right – I just reread the post that I wrote and realized where the confusion might be about the 49.6% mercury. To reiterate Jeff’s point, there is the teeny-tiniest amount in the multidose vials of vaccine. It is there to keep bacteria from growing if it accidentally got introduced.
Thank you for clearing this up, Jeff. I’m going to insert a note on the original post.
Wow – I’m so undecided. I know with the regular flu shot, every time my son gets it, he gets the flu within the next two days. So this year I’m not getting it for him. As for the H1N1 vaccine, he has a heart defect and it could be really bad for him to get a high fever like what you get with the Swine flu. I was really excited when the Dr. called the other day to schedule an appointment because they finally got the vaccines in. Then a friend told me about Thim. in it. I think I’ll call the Dr. on monday and ask which ones they have, the single dose vials or the multi. I still don’t know. It’s so new and who knows what else it could have/do. Kinda scary. But I do NOT want that crap in my little boy!
Since the FDA won’t let ANY medication be sold over the counter with even the tiniest amount of mercury in it, why is it’s okay to pump even the tiniest amounts of it into a baby’s veins so it can course through their neurological system? That makes no sense. Find a mercury free vaccination or don’t do it.
The H1N1 vaccine contains about 24 mcg of mercury and a can of tuna contains about 20 (or more if albacore) if my research is correct – it’s hard to find anything measured in micrograms –it’s mostly in parts per million which is confusing and hard compare. — . so I don’t think it’s wholly factual to say that there is more mercury in a tuna sandwich. I feel it’s safe, however I guess it’s more easily excreted. I got it the vaccine for both of my children.
1 tiny sperm and 1 tiny egg can produce a human being, less than 1 drop of HIV could spread AIDS throughout an entire body – I don’t care how small of an amount of mercury these vaccines supposedly have – if there is a chance it will lead to autism, there is NO WAY it is going into my kids’ bodies