Can pregnant women and young children be vaccinated with vaccine that contains Thimerosal?
Yes. While New York State (NYS) Public Health Law ยง 2112 usually restricts the use of thimerosal-containing influenza vaccines for pregnant women and children under the age of 3 years the Commissioner has waived these restrictions to respond to shortages of both seasonal and 2009 H1N1 vaccine. This authorization will continue until May 1, 2009. Consent specific to vaccine containing Thimerosal is not required; however you must still obtain consent to the vaccine administration in the same way you would for any vaccine. Consent can either be obtained in writing or verbally. Providers should note verbal consent in the medical record.
