Do flu shots have mercury in them?

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Yes, says the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, commonly referred to as the CDC, in their facts on the flu shot question and answer guide.

Opinions about whether mercury in flu shots is a threat to human health may vary, but no one can deny the facts on the flu shot. Mercury is used in the manufacturing of and as a preservative in most flu shot vaccines. Even those vaccines that are labeled preservative free have trace amounts of mercury left over from the manufacturing process, but because the content is too low to act as a preservative, they are called preservative free.

Questions like “do flu shots have mercury in them” may be asked for many reasons. Mercury contamination in fish and the environment is of great concern. Mercury poisoning can cause illness and death. Some people have severe allergic reactions to mercury. Mercury is a known neurotoxin, meaning that it damages or destroys nerve tissues. Mercury has been linked to autism and Alzheimer’s.

The facts on the flu shot presented by the CDC maintain that there is “no convincing evidence of harm” from mercury in flu shots, but there was sufficient evidence for New York to pass a law in 2006 banning thimerosal (a mercury based preservative) from flu shots intended for use in children and pregnant women. But, even with this ban, the answer to “do flu shots have mercury in them” in New York is still, yes. As previously stated trace amounts of mercury are present even in preservative free flu shots.

In 1999, the Public Health Service agencies, the American Academy of Pediatrics and vaccine manufacturers agreed that mercury should be reduced or eliminated from vaccines as a precautionary measure. But, still the answer to the question “do flu shots have mercury in them” is yes. The facts on the flu shot presented by the CDC maintain that the best protection from influenza is the annual flu shot, but ultimately it is a personal choice.