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January 03, 2003
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNIZATION NEWS
"PowderJect Dismisses Flu Vaccine Concerns"
Reuters (www.reuters.com) (01/03/03)
Fluvirin, the flu vaccine sold across Europe does not contain the mercury-based preservative thimerosal, PowderJect Pharmaceuticals said Friday in response to a flurry of media coverage to the contrary. The media alleged that four out of seven vaccine brands used to immunize 12 million people in the United Kingdom this winter contained the preservative. A company spokesman noted that the Fluvirin sold in Europe does not contain thimerosal. Fluvirin containing the preservative is still sold in the United States; however, it is not used for children, and a preservative-free flu vaccine is also available, the spokesman added.
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