CA H1N1 Vaccine and Thimerosal Exemption

If you are in CA and interested:

http://www.acphd.org/H1N1/documents/H1N1_Thimerosal_Exemption_Interested_pa rties%20_3_.pdf

October 15, 2009
TO: Interested Parties
SUBJECT: H1N1 Vaccine and Thimerosal Exemption
In 2004, in order to ensure that pregnant women and children under age 3 years have access to
mercury-free vaccines, Governor Schwarzenegger signed AB 2943 (Pavley, Chapter 837,
Statutes of 2004). Under the terms of AB 2943 and Health and Safety Code Section 124172,
since July 1, 2006 vaccines containing levels of mercury greater than specified limits cannot be
administered to pregnant women and young children, except under certain circumstances.
While many commonly used vaccines administered in the United States are available in ample
supplies of mercury-free formulations, there are currently limited supplies of the new vaccine to
protect Californians against pandemic (H1N1) influenza [Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent
Vaccine] that have levels of mercury below the state legal limits.
In April 2009 a novel pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus was determined to be the cause of
influenza illness in Southern California and the cause of outbreaks of respiratory illness in
Mexico. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a worldwide
pandemic, indicating uncontained community-level transmission of the pandemic influenza A
(H1N1) virus in multiple areas of the world. Worldwide transmission of the pandemic influenza
A (H1N1) virus has continued since June in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres and
is expected to increase in California during the autumn or winter.
Young children and pregnant women have been at higher risk of this pandemic influenza. The
incidence of hospitalization from pandemic influenza in the United States and in California has
been greatest among children younger than 4 years. At least four pregnant women in
California have died from pandemic influenza A (H1N1) to date, and the incidence of
hospitalization associated with pandemic influenza in pregnant women has been at least four
times higher than that of the general population.
Influenza vaccination can prevent influenza and influenza-related complications. The federal
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has recently recommended that certain
groups at highest risk for infection or influenza-related complications, including children and
pregnant women, should be the initial targets for pandemic influenza A (H1N1) vaccination
programs. Therefore, the national and California immunization campaigns are attempting to
immunize pregnant women and young children promptly to protect them against pandemic
(H1N1) influenza disease.
Immunization Branch/Division of Communicable Disease Control
850 Marina Bay Parkway, Building P, 2nd Floor, Richmond, CA 94804
(510) 620-3737 Internet Address: www.cdph.ca.gov
H1N1 Vaccine and Thimerosal Exemption

Because of the dangers posed by influenza posed by pandemic (H1N1) influenza, and because
there are currently insufficient supplies of influenza A (H1N1) 2009 monovalent influenza
vaccine that have levels of mercury below the state legal limits, an exemption has been granted
from California Health and Safety Code Section 124172 subdivision (a) for influenza A (H1N1)
2009 monovalent influenza vaccine administered to children younger than 3 years old and
pregnant women for the period of October 12, 2009 – November 30, 2009. Vaccine supplies
and distribution will continue to be assessed to determine whether an extension of the
exemption will be needed to protect Californians against pandemic (H1N1) influenza.
In accordance with the intent of the law, during this exemption period immunizers should
prioritize supplies of thimerosal-free vaccine to young children and pregnant women as long as
prioritization does not prevent the immunization of others.
Secretary Belshé and Governor Schwarzenegger have granted this exemption because of the
health risk posed to California by pandemic (H1N1) influenza, and because there are
inadequate supplies of vaccine to comply with the law.
Governor Schwarzenegger and Secretary Belshé remain deeply committed to implementing AB
2943 and ensuring that pregnant women and young children have access to mercury-free
vaccines whenever possible.
If you have any questions about this topic, please contact the California Department of Public
Health’s Immunization Branch at (510) 620-3737 or www.getimmunizedca.org.
Sincerely,
Mark B. Horton, MD, MSPH
Director