Allergy Shots and Mercury: What You Need to Know

Allergy shots (subcutaneous immunotherapy) do not contain mercury.

Thimerosal, a mercury-containing preservative, was historically used in some multi-dose vaccine vials to prevent bacterial contamination. However:

• It was never a component of allergy immunotherapy extracts.
• Since 2001, thimerosal has been removed from or reduced to trace amounts in all routinely recommended childhood vaccines in the U.S. (per FDA/CDC).
• Current allergy extracts are preserved with phenol or glycerin, not thimerosal.

If you have concerns about vaccine or allergy shot ingredients, discuss them with your allergist/immunologist. They can provide product-specific package inserts and safety data.