Are there additives, like thimerosal, in the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine?
There is no thimerosal in intranasal vaccines. The injectable H1N1 vaccine from multi-dose vials contains thimerosal, but the single dose syringes do not. Thimerosal is a mercury-containing preservative used in some vaccines and other products since the 1930s. There is no scientific evidence of harm caused by the low doses of thimerosal in vaccines, except for minor reactions like redness and swelling at the injection site. However, because some women are concerned about exposure to preservatives during pregnancy, manufacturers will produce preservative-free seasonal and 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccines in single dose syringes for pregnant women and small children.
