Does the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine have preservatives in it?
As with the seasonal influenza vaccines, the H1N1 vaccines will be available in formulations that contain thimerosal, a mercury-containing preservative, as well as preservative-free formulations. Manufacturers will be producing preservative-free seasonal and 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccines in single dose syringes for pregnant women and small children. CDC recommends that pregnant women may receive vaccine with or without thimerosal and providers are advised not to wait for preservative-free vaccine before giving pregnant women a vaccine. If a vaccine provider does not have preservative free vaccine, a preservative-containing vaccine may be administered to a pregnant woman with her consent.
