Written question asked by Lord Hodgson of Astley Abbotts (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Earl Howe (Conservative) on Monday, 20 June 2011.

Health: Vaccines

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether swine flu vaccines now being given to the elderly, children and pregnant women contain thimerosal.

Answer: The 2011-12 seasonal flu immunisation programme will start in September. None of the trivalent seasonal influenza vaccines that will be available for use in the 2011-12 influenza season that provide protection against the influenza A H1N1v (swine flu) strain contain thiomersal as an added preservative. However, one vaccine (Fluvirin) contains traces of thiomersal that are left over from the manufacturing process. There is no evidence to suggest that exposure to the small levels of thiomersal contained in these influenza vaccines carry any serious risks to children or adults, including pregnant women.

Secondary information