Can you explain multi dose and single dose

[RobinOK]

For the flu vaccine? I know ignorant question but this is 1st year I've researched the shot and I'm totally confused. Does multi dose mean the child has to get 2 full doses 1 month apart the 1st year or just that the vial contains more than one dose that the nurse draws the shot from? Why is the single dose better?

[Dido]

Originally Posted by RobinOK

For the flu vaccine? I know ignorant question but this is 1st year I've researched the shot and I'm totally confused. Does multi dose mean the child has to get 2 full doses 1 month apart the 1st year or just that the vial contains more than one dose that the nurse draws the shot from? Why is the single dose better?

Multidose means there's a bunch of doses in one container that the nurse will draw the syringe from. Multidose vials contain thimerosal because it prevents contamination, which is obviously an issue if you're opening up the same vial over and over.

Single-dose means there is one prefilled syringe per shot. There is no need for thimerosal because there's no risk of contamination.

Many people think that thimerosal, which is 49% ethylmercury, is unsafe for babies and children and, well, humans. So, in the case of the flu vaccine, you avoid thimerosal by getting the single dose Fluzone shot.

Single and multidose has nothing to do with the number of shots your child gets. Either way, your child is still getting the same amount of vaccine. If your child has not previously gotten a flu shot, the doctor will want your child to get two separate shots one month apart regardless of whether they are getting a prefilled syringe or a syringe from a multidose container.

[RobinOK]

Thank you for explaining.