Pregnant women can have H1N1 vaccine with preservative

State rule temporarily rescinded for novel strain of flu virus
By CHRIS CLINE
Daily Journal Staff Writer
Sunday, October 25, 2009 4:08 AM CDT
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has granted an exemption that allows pregnant women and children under 3 years old to receive the H1N1 vaccine containing a mercury-based preservative. The announcement, made Thursday, puts the decision of whether to get the vaccine in the hands of expectant mothers and the parents of the young children.

The action taken by Margaret Donnelly, director of the Department of Health and Senior Services, temporarily sets aside a statute that prohibits pregnant women and children under 3 from receiving the vaccine with this preservative.

Donnelly said women and parents of young children should consult their health provider to determine whether to get the vaccine.

The announcement comes just prior to St. Francois County’s first H1N1 flu shot clinic. The clinic is scheduled from noon to 4 p.m. at the St. Francois County Fairgrounds.