Nationwide Medical/Surgical Announces Preservative Free Flu Vaccine Available

Main Category: Flu / Cold / SARS
Also Included In: Immune System / Vaccines;  Medical Devices / Diagnostics
Article Date: 12 Mar 2009 - 4:00 PDT

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Nationwide Medical/Surgical, a leading provider of the flu shot across the nation, has announced the availability of a preservative-free flu vaccine. The influenza virus, more commonly known as the flu, is a virus that ranges in severity of symptoms from mild to fatal. It is transmitted very easily. The best defense from the flu virus is an influenza vaccination. The influenza vaccine is comprised of weakened or dead viruses that are introduced to the body to allow the body to build up a defense for the flu. When a person who has received the vaccine and has built up antibodies is introduced to the virus, the resulting symptoms from this exposure are typically nonexistent or very mild for the patient.

Flu vaccines come in several forms. There is a flu shot, which is injected to the person via syringe. There is also a flu mist vaccine that is inhaled nasally. Most versions of the flu vaccine contain Thimerosal, preservative containing mercury, used to prevent contamination across multi-dose vials of the influenza vaccine. Multi-dose flu vaccine vials are vials that contain several doses of the flu shot. The vial is closed shut with a rubber stopper, in which a syringe is inserted to gather the vaccine for each dose. The introduction of each syringe brings with it the chance for contamination.

Many flu vaccine manufacturers are creating single dose vials that do not require Thimerosal to prevent contamination to fill the need for preservative free flu shots as there is no repeated drawing upon the vial. Many people are opting for this version of the flu vaccine as there are fears that Thimerosal can cause autism.

Currently, there is no conclusive proof that Thimerosal found within the flu vaccine causes any side effects other than a red sore spot at the injection site, however further studies are being done. As a result, many who are receiving the flu vaccine (especially young children and pregnant women) are interested in a preservative free flu vaccine version.

To find out more information about the preservative free flu vaccine or to view all of the influenza vaccine products that Nationwide Medical/Surgical has to offer, visit http://www.nationwidemedical.net

Nationwide Medical/Surgical

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