Flu vaccines can cause rare complications, such as:
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) Some studies have found a possible link between the flu shot and GBS, a progressive nerve disorder that can cause profound weakness for weeks or longer. Overall, studies estimate the prevalence of GBS as fewer than 1 or 2 cases per million people vaccinated.
Infectious disease experts recommend weighing these risks against those posed by the flu.
What About Flu Vaccines Containing Thimerosal?
Although most infectious disease specialists agree that thimerosal, a vaccine preservative, poses no health risk and has a strong safety record, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted against recommending flu shots containing this ingredient for the 2025–2026 season.
Some members of the committee had previously voiced concerns about a link between thimerosal and autism; numerous studies have failed to find evidence for such a connection.
Prior to the committee’s decision, about 4 percent of vaccines administered in the United States contained thimerosal, but going forward all flu vaccines will be thimerosal-free.
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