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Let's talk about the flu shot and mercury.
Some people avoid the flu shot because of mercury. It is important to understand the types of mercury, the impact it has on the body, and your options.
Methylmercury is a product of pollution. In pregnancy methlymercury can cause terrible birth defects. 90% of methylmercury consumed is found in fish. It can accumulate in organs. The half life is approximately 70 days. This is NOT what is in flu shots.
Ethylmercury (thimerosal) was a preservative in vaccines that was removed from all vaccines in 2001, with the exception of the flu shot. It is water soluble and is excreted in 3-7 days.
Single dose syringes of flu vaccine are (thimerosal) ethylmercury free. Multi-doses of flu vaccine contain very little thimerosal. You may request thimerosal free vaccine if you have concerns.
The amount of mercury in a thimerosal-containing vaccine is tiny. According to the FDA, “a vaccine containing 0.01% thimerosal as a preservative contains roughly the same amount of elemental mercury contained in a 3 ounce can of tuna fish.”
A vaccine containing 0.01% thimerosal as a preservative contains 50 micrograms of thimerosal per 0.5 mL dose or approximately 25 micrograms of mercury per 0.5 mL dose
1 microgram (mcg or µg) = 0.000001 grams
TLDR; if you eat fish, you consume more of a dangerous mercury than what's on the flu shot.
