For immediate release: September 24, 2009 (09-154)
Contacts:
Michele Roberts, Immunization Program CHILD Profile 360-236-3720
Donn Moyer, Communications Office 360-236-4076
Mercury limits suspended
for H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine to improve access
Creates choice for pregnant
women and children under three
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/).###
