Single-use vial flu shot vs multi-does vial flu shot

michellelcl

I remember reading somewhere it's recommended pregnant women get flu shot from single-use vial vs from multi-does vial. ( I can't recall the reasoning.) I wonder if anyone has read that too. Did you ask your OB's opinion? What did they say? How do you find places offer single-use vial flu shot?

Thanks in advance.

HFrizzle

I have never ever heard this before and I have given hundreds of flu shots. As long as the person drawing up the meds is using the proper protocols, there is no reason why a pregnant women can not have a shot out of a multi dose vial.

blondie10m

Multiuse vials contain thimerosal, which is a mercury-based preservative.  It has been proven to be safe at the miniscule doses in a vaccine and is fine for pregnant women, however many people say if you can avoid it, it's just an extra precaution you can do when pregnant.  Single use vials do not have preservative.  However, it's better to get a flu with preservative than no flu shot at all.  There can be serious complications in pregnant women who catch the flu.

ceh789

I got my shot at my last OB check up and they give the single-use by default.  Check with them.

Soap1

blondie10m said:

Multiuse vials contain thimerosal, which is a mercury-based preservative.  It has been proven to be safe at the miniscule doses in a vaccine and is fine for pregnant women, however many people say if you can avoid it, it's just an extra precaution you can do when pregnant.  Single use vials do not have preservative.  However, it's better to get a flu with preservative than no flu shot at all.  There can be serious complications in pregnant women who catch the flu.

The nasal spray vaccine does not contain thimerosal either.  But 100% agree that a miniscule amount of mercury is better than the flu.  You get more mercury from a 3 oz. can of tuna (29 micrograms or so, per this study) while a flu shot contains about 25 micrograms per the FDA )

ceh789

Soap1 said:

The nasal spray vaccine does not contain thimerosal either. 

Just as a heads up, the nasal spray is a live vaccine and not approved for use during pregnancy.

michellelcl

Thank you all for the comments and advices. If I can find single-use flu shot, I will get it. Otherwise, I will just one from multi-does vial.