The swine flu vaccine that will be given to Alabama school children beginning Monday does not contain the mercury-based preservative thimerosol, according to the state Health Department.

A few parents told The News Courier on Thursday they would not allow their children to receive the nasal mist vaccine at clinics that begin Monday because they fear it contains the preservative. Some believe there is a connection between mercury-based injections and the development of autism.

The Health Department stated in a press release “The 2009 H1N1 nasal mist vaccine, which is a live, attenuated intranasal vaccine, does not contain thimerosol or other preservatives. ”

The preservative was not mentioned in the information and parental-consent forms sent to parents regarding the upcoming voluntary vaccination clinics at various schools, prompting some to worry.

Children who skip the vaccination are at greater risk than those who receive it, Health Department officials said. Thirty-two have died in Alabama of H1N1 flu, many of them children, who have the greatest risk of contracting the virus.

The nasal is the first of two doses needed for children aged 9 years and under. The second dose should be given about four weeks later to protect children from H1N1 influenza virus.

Adults by the droves attended the free vaccination clinic at the Limestone County Health Department Thursday. An official said the 520 vaccines available were nearly gone by 11:30 a.m. and that people were lined up to receive them before the Health Department opened at 8:30 a.m.

One official said the Health Department hopes to hold free vaccination clinics Friday in December to continue the fight against pandemic flu.

Who should forgo?

Health Department officials said here are some circumstances in which children and others should not receive the nasal mist vaccine:

• Severe, life-threatening allergies to eggs or allergies to any other substance in the vaccine

• Weakened immune system

• Long-term health problems

• Heart disease