Multi-dose flu shot has only 25 mcg of mercury - most commercial fish contain 23 mcg of mercury per 8 ounces of fish

Multi-dose flu shot has only 25 mcg of mercury - most commercial fish contain 23 mcg of mercury per 8 ounces of fish http://buff.ly/11CTRPw

Are multi-dose vials less expensive?

Economics are a bit complicated due to wastage with multiple vials:

Single versus multi-dose vaccine vials: an economic computational model
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20566395

Most of the Western world, apart from the US, has moved on to single vials:
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/733986

Whenever possible, CDC recommends that single-use vials be used and that multi-dose vials of medication be assigned to a single patient to reduce the risk of disease transmission (http://www.cdc.gov/injectionsafety/patients/syringeReuse_faqs.html).

Where to get a thimerosal/mercury-free flu shot?

Many local Costco stores carry only single vials and the cost is $14.99 if no insurance is used. The availability of additional options may improve immunization rates.

Search for a Costco pharmacy near you here, and call them to verify availability: Warehouse Locations - Costco: www.costco.com/warehouse/locator.aspx

Personal Flu Stories - CDC:



Each year in the US, nearly 20,000 children under age 5 are hospitalized due to flu-related complications. CDC recommends that children aged six months through 18 years old get a flu vaccination. Moving personal stories help parents and caregivers learn about the dangers of influenza to children and the benefits of vaccination.

Image source: Influenza virus, Wikipedia, public domain.

65-yo patient received a standard-dose flu shot already this season. Should she get the high-dose shot too? Or get a second regular flu shot?

A 65-yo female patient received a standard-dose flu shot already this season. Should he get the high-dose shot too? Or try to get a second regular flu shot?

The simple answer is no. The patients should consider herself immunized. Studies show that getting a delayed second dose doesn't necessarily increase antibody response, and there's some concern that it might actually have a negative effect on the immunity. If you've already had the regular seasonal dose, wait until next year for another dose.


Image of the H1N1 Influenza Virus, CDC.

From CDC's Immunize.org website:

Sometimes patients age 65 years and older who have received the standard-dose influenza vaccine hear about the high-dose product (Fluzone High-Dose, sanofi) and want to receive that, too. Is this okay to administer?

No. ACIP does not recommend that anyone receive more than one dose of influenza vaccine in a season except for certain children age 6 months through 8 years for whom two doses are recommended.

Would giving an older patient 2 doses of standard-dose influenza vaccine be the same as administering the high-dose product?

No, and this is not recommended.

References:

New High-Dose Flu Shot for Older Americans: Answers to Flu Season Questions - AARP http://buff.ly/1ttjluQ

Ask the Experts about Influenza Vaccines - CDC experts answer Q&As; http://buff.ly/1ttjn6e

Fluzone High-Dose Seasonal Influenza Vaccine | Seasonal Influenza (Flu) | CDC http://buff.ly/1ttjnTu