Question: You say everyone should have a yearly flu vaccine. I have read for years that the flu vaccine contains mercury. I know that mercury is cumulative and is a dangerous substance. I would like to hear your opinion on this. I got the flu vaccine once, years ago and have not since. Thank you!
Dr. Hibberd's answer:
Get vaccinated. It is foolish to hope that influenza will not strike you. When it strikes, it can be fatal to some, including you. The older flu vaccines all contained thimerosol as a stabilizing agent. Newer flu vaccines are available without this mercury derivative.
The mercury-free preparations are usually only available in unit dose forms, not in the cheaper multi-dose vials. Unfortunately, most multi-dose versions of flu vaccine contain this mercury derivative. I do agree with your desire to avoid mercury-containing vaccinations, but unfortunately you are also placing yourself at excess risk by avoiding annual vaccination.
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