[ARNPCare] Notice: Suspension of State Thimerosal Limits for Certain 2011-2012 Influenza Vaccine

[ARNP Care Monthly NewsLetter]

Mercury limits law temporarily suspended

Secretary of Health Mary Selecky has extended the temporary suspension 
of Washington’s limit on the amount of mercury (thimerosal) in influenza 
vaccine allowed for pregnant women and children younger than three years 
old. The suspension is extended through June 30, 2012. It applies only 
to 2011-2012 seasonal influenza vaccine in multi-dose vials.

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 there is a shortage of vaccine, which 
continues to be the case for certain groups of people during the 
upcoming flu season.  The tip cap of the 2011-2012 single dose 
thimerosal-free flu vaccine that comes in pre-filled syringes may 
contain trace amounts of natural rubber latex. This means that children 
under three and pregnant women who have or may have latex allergies may 
be advised by their health care provider to not get the thimerosal-free 
single dose syringes. Supplies of other types of thimerosal-free flu 
vaccine are limited and can’t be used for all people.

Suspending the thimerosal limits law removes barriers so people can 
choose to be protected. Pregnant women and children under three are at 
high risk for serious complications if they get the flu. If a health 
care provider is concerned about patients in these groups having an 
allergic reaction to latex, this suspension allows providers and 
patients the opportunity to use other types of flu vaccine. Vaccination 
is voluntary, and we encourage people to talk to their health care 
provider about getting vaccinated.

Notification requirements

When the mercury limits are suspended the law requires that certain 
groups be told they are getting a vaccine containing more mercury than 
is usually permitted. This notification requirement applies to pregnant 
or lactating women and parents or guardians of children under the age of 
18 getting the vaccine. There is no single notification method required; 
the Department of Health has developed a sample notification form to 
help you with this. This and other related documents are available 
online (http://www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/Immunize/providers/flu-thimerosal.htm).

Janna Bardi, MPH
Manager, Immunization Program CHILD Profile
Washington State Department of Health
PO Box 47843
111 Israel Road SE
Olympia, WA 98504-7843
email: janna.bardi at doh.wa.gov
phone: 360.236.3568
FAX: 360.236.3590

Website:  http://www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/Immunize/default.htm

Public Health: Always Working for a Safer and Healthier Washington