EDITORIAL
We support the state’s plan to require flu and pneumonia vaccinations for preschoolers, announced Dec. 10, but urge parents to request only thimerosal-free vaccines.
The new rule for preschoolers along with the addition of required meningitis, tetanus and whooping cough vaccinations for sixth-grade students was approved by Health and Senior Services Commissioner Fred Jacobs over objections from parents’ groups who believe vaccines containing thimerosal as a preservative may be causing autism in children.
While the vaccination schedule will undoubtedly reduce the spread of these often-fatal diseases, we feel officials have an obligation to inform parents of the potential for risks with thimerosal.
Thimerosal was created in the 1920s as a preservative for vaccines, deriving much of its preserving effect from trace amounts of mercury. While federal officials studying the effects of administering trace amounts of mercury concluded there’s no danger, they did require manufacturers to reduce the amounts used in vaccines.
That sounds like an acknowledgement there’s evidence enough that thimerosal may be a problem just not enough to force removal.
It’s important to recognize the studies that have been done have only looked at whether the amount of thimerosal in individual vaccines or in combinations of vaccines usually given in a short time-span is enough to reach toxic levels.
But studies have not considered the cumulative impact of thimerosal, nor have studies been fully undertaken to check for potential connections to autism or other childhood illnesses.
As such, thimerosal may be adding to a potent chemical cocktail infants and children are exposed to early in life, when brains and bodies are still forming, without a thorough knowledge of the impact.
Researchers may be just in approaching their studies in this way, but the medical professional has a higher bar: first, do no harm.
And since thimerosal-free vaccines are available, why should any parent take the risk?
Several years ago, Assemblyman Pete Biondi, R-Hillsborough, examined the issue and concluded thimerosal could and should be removed from vaccines because alternatives were available. He introduced legislation to accomplish this, but the measure was defeated after lobbying by vaccine manufacturers.
There is room for doubt as to whether or not thimerosal contributes to autism but we also have to concede it can’t be completely ruled out.
In the absence of a manufacturing ban or legislative action, it’s up to parents to act to protect their children by demanding vaccines free of this preservative.

