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What Does the Flu Shot Contain?

The flu is a virus that causes lung infections. On average nearly 40,000 die of the flu each year in the United States. Getting a flu vaccine is the best way to combat flu infection. Here is a discussion of the flu vaccine and its ingredients.

  1. Creation Process

    • The vaccine for the flu is made by filling eggs with multiple strains of living influenza virus. Usually the viral strains are ones selected by scientists as most likely to infect those in the United States. The liquid in the eggs is then taken out. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the virus is then killed and put into a sterile solution.

    Types

    • There are two delivery systems for the flu vaccine: either as a shot or as a nasal spray. The nasal spray contains living virus, while the shot does not contain living virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the nasal spray contains weak but not dead virus. The shot that contains the dead virus is often mixed with thimerosol, a preservative.

    Live Virus Considerations

    • The nose spray is recommended for healthy people from ages 2 to 49 who are not pregnant, according to the Federal Drug Administration. FluMist is the brand name of the nasal spray vaccine. Health-care facilities may not allow a person who received the nasal spray to visit if he has taken the spray within the previous two weeks.

    Inactive Virus Considerations

    • The flu shot, which contains dead or inactivated virus, is recommended for those over 65, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions and/or weak immune systems.The CDC recommends these groups get a flu shot each and every year. Health-care workers are also advised to get a yearly flu shot.

    Warning/Egg Allergy

    • Because the vaccine is created within chicken eggs, some people can have an allergic reaction. See an allergist if you are concerned about a reaction.

    Theories/Speculation

    • Thimerosal is a controversial preservative because it contains small amounts of mercury and has been considered harmful by some. However, according to the FDA, you can receive thimerosal-free vaccine if you request it. Thimerosal is not in any vaccines recommended for children 6 years of age or younger, also according to the FDA. Vaccines with the preservative contain less than 1 microgram of thimerosal. Ask your doctor if concerned.

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