If you are concerned about a preservative free flu vaccination for your child, Fluzone is the answer. Manufactured by Sanofi Pasteur, this product is free of Thimerosal, the preservative found in multiple doing influenza products. The Food and Drug Administration has approved Fluzone preservative free flu shots for children who have attained six months of age or older. These are pre-dosed, individual syringes for intra-muscular injection, thereby eliminating the need for a cross-contaminant preservative. For vaccinating against strains A and B of the influenza virus, this is the option for those parents who are adamant about protecting their children from additives like Thimerosal.

The Fluzone syringes are identifiable by their bright pink plunger delivery system. The pink plunger will offer the parent a way to identify if the vaccine their child is receiving is a preservative free flu shot. There is no need to draw the vaccine from a multi-dose vial, so if you witness a vial draw taking place, you should interject immediately. All vial drawn, multi-dose influenza vaccines contain preservatives. Parents accompanying children for their vaccinations should be knowledgeable on which formulations are packaged and dispensed by the differing methodologies. If you have requested a preservative free flu shot for your child of six months or older, you should pay attention to the method and device being used.

Failing to obtain an influenza vaccination for your child based on a fear of preservatives is ill advised. The availability of the FDA approved, individually dosed Fluzone product for children’s vaccinations is the answer to these concerns. Even though a direct correlation between preservatives and possible effects of use is still being studied, having a preservative free alternative with Fluzone should provide every parent a level of comfort. Ask your pediatrician if a preservative free flu shot is available for your child before the next flu season arrives.