H1N1 Vaccine Supply Update

Update on Availability of H1N1 Vaccine

December 4, 2009

Dr. Russell Eggert, Director of the Division of Disease Control at the Florida Department of Health, has informed us that we can expect about 1/3 of total H1N1 vaccine produced to be preservative-free and 2/3 to have preservative. All multidose vials contain thimerosal (preservative). There are single-dose vials and prefilled syringes that do not contain thimerosal. Also, LAIV vaccine (FluMist) does not contain thimerosal and represents a good portion of the preservative-free vaccine being manufactured.

All FDA-approved and ACIP–recommended vaccines (including H1N1 vaccines) are safe and effective when used in children and adults as specifically indicated in the vaccine package inserts, regardless of whether they contain thimerosal or not. There is no contraindication, precaution or warning related to using a thimerosal-containing vaccine in a child or a pregnant woman. The LAIV vaccine (FluMist) is FDA licensed only for use in healthy, nonpregnant individuals ages 2–49.

[Source: Anne-Carol Burke, M.A., Florida Department of Health, H1N1 Information Management Branch]

Last Revision: April 22, 2010