Not all vaccines contain the mercury-laden preservative thimerosal, although most do. Understanding what thimerosal does in a vaccine and how it affects individuals when vaccinated can aid consumers in deciding whether or not to be vaccinated with injections containing thimerosal.
Purpose of Thimerosal in Vaccines
When many people think of thimerosal, not much is known beyond the fact that thimerosal contains mercury, and mercury is not healthy for normal consumption.
Thimerosal, in fact, is a preservative that does contain mercury. It is added to multi-dose vials of a vaccination, and the purpose of putting the thimerosal in vaccines is to prevent the growth of bacteria that can be far worse to the human body than mercury.
Without thimerosal, contamination of vaccinations is highly likely. Contamination most often occurs when the actual syringe enters the vial before administration of the vaccine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, contamination of vaccinations can lead to serious complications, including illness and death.
Safety of Thimerosal in Vaccines
According to the CDC, thimerosal has been used in vaccinations since the 1930s. Nineteen studies have been conducted by the CDC to test for the evidence of harm caused by low doses of thimerosal, and nothing serious has been conclusive in the studies. Reactions to thimerosal are similar to other injection reactions, including redness and swelling.
Swine Flu Vaccinations Without Thimerosal
The only H1N1 swine flu vaccinations available without thimerosal are those that are produced in single-dose units. The nasal spray version, known as the live-attenuated version, is thimerosal-free as well.
Attaining thimerosal-free influenza vaccinations is not easy, especially since a major distributer of the vaccine, Sanofi Pasteur, has recently recalled thousands of pre-filled single dose syringes due to potency issues.
Link Between Thimerosal and Autism
The link between thimerosal and mercury contamination and autism is a highly controversial topic. According to the CDC, “most research done in the United States, and around the world, shows no link between thimerosal in vaccines and autism.”
According to the CDC, the actual cases of autism has risen since the preservative thimerosal was removed out of childhood vaccines in 2001.
Should a Person get a Vaccination that Contains Thimerosal
Many people are concerned about the safety factors that are related to being vaccinated against the swine flu due to complications from thimerosal. According to the CDC, getting the H1N1 swine flu vaccine is considered safer than getting the swine flu, due to the serious health complications that may occur from the illness.
Before deciding whether to become vaccinated, individuals are urged to speak with a healthcare provider who can provide answers to any possible concerns.
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Renee Holmes - Renee Holmes began her writing career when she was invited to join the Young Authors Club in the first grade. From that point on, writing ...
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