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Recently in The Seattle Times: In what could prove to be a controversial decision, Washington’s Health Department has allowed swine-flu vaccinations to be carried out while temporarily suspending a rule that limits the amount of thimerosal, a mercury preservative, in vaccines given to pregnant women and children under the age of 3. This means that the swine-flu vaccine will be given to these populations despite some fears that thimerosal can cause autism in children.

Health officials believe that lifting the mercury limits will give pregnant women and young children quicker access to the vaccine, since they are considered at high risk for swine flu. Thimerosal is used to keep multiple-dose vaccines free of bacterial growth, but those who have concerns about possible adverse health effects, could opt for the single-dose vials that do not contain mercury. Although the WHO and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will carefully monitor side effects, there may always be unforeseen risks when new vaccines are developed.

If you’re concerned about the safety of the swine-flu vaccine and choose to opt out for your family, there are a number of precautions you can follow to prevent catching the infection, some of which include following precautions for basic hygiene, avoiding hospitals and crowded places, and taking steps to boost your own resistance to viruses.

While a healthy lifestyle has a significant role in boosting immunity, a number of herbal remedies, such as Basil (Tulsi), Echinacea, Garlic and Licorice, are known to increase resistance to viruses. When the next round of the epidemic hits, taking an immune system vitamin to increase your immunity could be the wisest thing you and your family could do to protect yourselves.