Mercury Limits Suspended for H1N1 (Swine Flu)
Vaccine to Improve Access
OLYMPIA - State health officials are taking steps to ensure
Washington residents at highest risk for H1N1 (swine flu) infection have
broad access to the new vaccine when its available. Secretary of Health
Mary Selecky is temporarily suspending Washingtons limit on the amount
of mercury (thimerosal) allowed in H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine given to
pregnant women and children under three.
Its vital to be sure everyone in a high risk group has the choice to be
vaccinated when swine flu vaccine becomes available, said Secretary
Selecky. Mercury-free H1N1 vaccine may not always be in stock, and we
want to be sure there are no barriers to protecting people.
The six-month suspension is effective through March 23, 2010 and applies
only to H1N1 (swine flu) vaccines now being developed. As a precaution,
Washington state law limits the amount of mercury that can be in
vaccines for pregnant women and children under three. The secretary of
health can suspend the law when theres a shortage of vaccine or during a
disease outbreak both criteria apply to the H1N1 (swine flu)
vaccine. Supplies of mercury-free vaccine will be limited, which may
stop people in these groups who want the vaccine from getting it.
H1N1 vaccination is voluntary. Pregnant women and children under three
are at the top of the list to get the vaccine because theyre at high
risk for serious complications from swine flu.
We believe suspending the law allows health care providers to offer
their patients as many choices as possible to protect themselves against
H1N1,” said Cindy Markus, MD, President of the Washington State Medical
Association.
When the limits are suspended, the law requires that pregnant or
lactating women and parents or guardians of children under 18 be told
theyre getting a vaccine containing more mercury than is usually
permitted. There is no specific notification method required; most
patients will get a handout to read.
The mercury in vaccines is in a preservative called thimerosal. Its been
used safely for years to prevent contamination of vaccines in vials that
contain more than one dose. Except for some types of flu vaccines, all
vaccines routinely recommended for children under six years of age are
thimerosal-free, or contain only
trace amounts. While some people are concerned about the safety of
thimerosal, many large, thorough studies have shown no harm caused by
thimerosal in vaccines.
Federal health officials expect H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine to be available
in early October. Although there will eventually be enough vaccine for
everyone, supplies will be limited at first and will likely be reserved
for high risk people. People are encouraged to check with their private
health care provider, public health clinics, retail pharmacies, and
community vaccination event organizers on locations to get the vaccine.
State and local health partners are working together to identify these
locations and will share that information when vaccine is available.
More information is available on the Department of Health H1N1 (swine
flu) Web site
( http://www.doh.wa.gov/h1n1/
).
http://www.doh.wa.gov/Publicat/2009_news/09-154.htm
|