BRIDGETON — Cumber­land County Health Department will be offering a thimerosal-free swine flu vaccine clinic for pregnant women and children under 3 years old (ages 6 months to 35 months). There is a limited quantity of H1N1 thimerosal-free vaccine, therefore registration will be on a first-come first-serve basis. Registration forms can be found on the Cumberland County Health Department website www.cshealth.org

Individuals within this group must register on the website in order to attend this clinic.

Once individuals have registered they will receive an email confirming their registration. The email will also contain the clinic’s date and time.

“There is a limited number of H1N1 thimerosal-free vaccine therefore we encourage individuals within this population to register as soon as possible,” says Public Health Coordinator Herb Roeschke.

Children 9 & under will need two shots at least one month apart, and the Health Department is encouraging parents to contact their pediatrician for the second dose vaccine.

Multi-dose vials of the H1N1 vaccine contain thimerosal (a mercury-based preservative that prevents the growth of bacteria).

Single-dose units and the live-attenuated nasal spray does not contain thimerosal.

Three leading federal agencies (Centers for Disease Control, Federal Drug Administration and National Institute of Health) have reviewed the published research on thimerosal and found it to be a safe product to use in vaccines.

It is understood, however, that some individuals still raise concerns about the safety of thimerosal, especially in pregnant women and young children, and may wish to choose the type of vaccine that does not contain it.

In addition to receiving the vaccine, the Health Department is reminding people to wash their hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes and stay home from school or work if sick. Call the Health Department at 327-7602