HomeFlu Vaccines

Flu Vaccine General Info

2012-2013 Flu Vaccine Information

The first and most important step in protecting against the flu is to get a flu vaccination each season.

Getting a flu vaccine is safe

Flu vaccines have a very good safety history. Millions of flu vaccines have been given safely over the many decades that flu vaccines have been recommended. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hold vaccines to the highest safety standards. See http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-gen/safety/.

The flu vaccine provides protection that lasts through the flu season.
A flu vaccine reduces your risk of illness, hospitalization, or even death and can prevent you spreading the virus to your loved ones.

Who should get the 2012-13 seasonal flu vaccine?

This year’s seasonal flu vaccine protects you from the H1N1 and two other flu virus strains.

Information About Thimerosal

Thimerosal is a mercury-containing preservative used in some vaccines and other products since the 1930's. There is no convincing evidence of harm caused by the low doses of thimerosal in vaccines, except for minor reactions like redness and swelling at the injection site. However, in July 1999, the Public Health Service agencies, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and vaccine manufacturers agreed that thimerosal should be reduced or eliminated in vaccines as a precautionary measure.

California Thimerosal (Mercury) Law

Swine Flu Info

If you are a person with a disability and require information or documents from this website in an alternate format (example: Braille, Large Print, Audiotape, CD-ROM), you may request the alternate format from the contact listed below. If you require accommodation (example: ASL Interpreter, reader, note taker) to participate in any Marin County program, service or activity, you may request accommodation by calling (415) 446-4163 or by email not less than four work days in advance.