[movealong]

The CDC and the WHO formulates the flu vaccine every year, targeting the 3 main strains that they think will be the most prevelant that year. They have a success rate of >90% in this.

The flu vaccine will not shorten the course of the flu if you get it. It's not designed to do that. Nor does it provide protection from every flu strain, again, it's not designed for that, just the 3 strains it was formulated for. I'm very surprised to read some of the comments here, where this knowledge seems to be lacking.

This year's vaccine protects against: A/Fujian, A/New Caledonia, B/Shanghai
strains.

As for the question of the vaccine and thimerosal:

Thimerosal is a very effective preservative that has been used since the 1930s to prevent contamination in some multi-dose vials of vaccines (preservatives are not required for vaccines in single dose vials). Thimerosal contains approximately 49% ethylmercury. There is no convincing 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, in July 1999 the Public Health Service (PHS) agencies, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and vaccine manufacturers agreed that thimerosal should be reduced or eliminated in vaccines as a precautionary measure.

Today, with the exception of some flu vaccines, none of the vaccines used in the U.S. to protect preschool children against 12 infectious diseases contain thimerosal as a preservative

AND:

Influenza vaccine is currently available both with thimerosal as a preservative and preservative-free. For the 2004-05 influenza season, it is likely that 6-8 million doses of inactivated influenza vaccine without thimerosal as a preservative will be available.

AND:

A study of influenza vaccination examining over 2,000 pregnant women demonstrated no adverse fetal effects associated with influenza vaccine. Case reports and limited studies indicate that pregnancy can increase the risk for serious medical complications of influenza. One study found that out of every 10,000 women in their third trimester of pregnancy during an average flu season, 25 will be hospitalized for flu related complications.

Additionally, influenza-associated excess deaths among pregnant women have been documented during influenza pandemics. Because pregnant women are at increased risk for influenza-related complications and because a substantial safety margin has been incorporated into the health guidance values for organic mercury exposure, the benefits of influenza vaccine with reduced or standard thimerosal content outweighs the theoretical risk, if any, of thimerosal.

Of course each person has the right to make their own decision about receiving the flu vaccine. I personally got them every year when I was in hospitals and clinics.

I am fairly sure the thimerosal free flu vaccines are safe, of course, for those with thimerosal allergies.

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Originally Posted by MLOS

Is a thermisol-free version of the flu vaccine available? The Hep B vaccine is available in a thermisol-free formula for vaccination of infants less than 2 months of age. Just curious ...

Yes, thimerosal free flu vaccines are available.

"Today, with the exception of some influenza vaccine, none of the vaccines used to protect preschool children against 12 infectious diseases contain thimerosal as a preservative."

[movealong]

AS GB syndrome:

In 1976, vaccination with the swine flu vaccine was associated with getting GBS. Several studies have been done to evaluate if other flu vaccines since 1976 were associated with GBS. Only one of the studies showed an association. That study suggested that one person out of 1 million vaccinated persons may be at risk of GBS associated with the vaccine.

[movealong]

http://www.fda.gov/cber/vaccine/thimerosal.htm#intro

[Nurse4years]

[quote=kay]

Originally Posted by RN4NICU

Thimerosal is a mercury-containing preservative found in vaccines. It is also found in many contact lens solutions. I have had horrible reactions to thimerosal in the lens solutions, which may account for my weakened immunity after receiving vaccines.

Originally Posted by RN4NICU

An allergy to thimerosal is an absolute contraindication to receiving the flu shot.

True, it is contraindicated. I am lucky, I never developed a full blown allergy.
I had reactions to thimerosal via contacts, and do not eat eggs-eggs cause severe GI distress. I DO, however, take a flu shot every year. Other than a very sore, reddened arm for a few days, I have no other reactions.

[Shotzie]

I tried to be clear about the sources of my information by notating them under the info. I maintain a flu shot file of current recommendations and research. Some of the articles were found by doing a web search and some was found doing an article search at our medical library. You can find much of the same by searching the web with search words such as "flu shot, children--flu shot, pregnancy--flu shot, nursing mothers--flu shot, elderly"

[KaroSnowQueen]

When I worked LTC, every year we would give out flu shots. Every year, there would be one or two very fragile little people whose families would say be sure to give Grandma/pa the flu shot, we don't want them to get sick. Without fail, those one or two would become dreadfully ill right after the flu shot with flu like symptoms and at least one of them would die.
Anybody can say whatever they want to about the flu shot doesn't give you the flu, but I know what I had observed for ten years, and that's the way it was every year.
I have never taken a flu shot and don't intend to. And if I had a little fragile grandparent, I wouldn't let them take it either.
Not saying that's what everybody should do, but that's where my observations have led me.

[ed9999]

Last October I was in my last semester of Nursing School, for one of my classes I volunteered to give flu shots at a local hospital.While there I thought it a good idea to get the vaccine as well and I did. Later that afternoon I developed a white spot that travelled across my left eye and later had a headache for about five days. I do get migraine headaches about two times a year with a flash of light for an aura at the begining of the headache. My migraines only last 24-36 hrs.The headache that I suffered after the flu shot was not like the migraines that I get. Along with the pain in my head I also experienced dizzyness and just did not feel like myself. I later found out that at least one other person had the same thing happen to them.I am 99% sure that I will not get another flu shot this or in any other year. If anyone out there knows of this type of reaction and why it happens please respond.

[winniewoman9060]

You betcha I get it and so do my kids. My oldest son who is now 19 had encephalitis from the flu. Including a respiratory arrest, and 12 days in ICU. That for me is enough reason to get the flu shot.

[wam79]

I get a flu shot every year. My wife used to not take a shot. years ago she got the flu. Real ill for a couple of weeks. I never even got a runny nose. Now we both get the shot.