Autism and Thimerosal in Our Children’s Vaccinations

The debate over autism and the MMR vaccine is quite possibly one of the most controversial topics to date. Some argue that the vaccine is harmless and the worst your children will get is a fever, rash and possible seizure. Others insist that the vaccine has unleashed an epidemic of autism. Regardless of the opinions on either side of the debate, autism is nearly doubling its numbers every four years.

These staggering numbers have lead to so many debates that it’s almost impossible to find the honest to goodness facts on the issue. One Dr. at the Combe Women’s Hospital in Dublin was quoted saying “Instead if arguing with parents that there is no link, they should urgently carry out a decent study.” Later that year the same Dr. recanted, saying that “It never should’ve been published.” With mixed messages like this, it’s no wonder we’re not getting to the core of the accusations.

Autism is a world wide disorder. Although we don’t have the thorough medical information on what they have defined as autism in Russia, they have reported such cases. Unfortunately, we haven’t yet explored what treatment and medical therapies they are using. In matters of such urgency, we should be keeping one another informed of any possible treatments or progress they have been making, around the world.

Approximately 1 in 150 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with a form of ASD. In the state of Michigan alone, children ages 3 to 21 years of age who were autistic sky rocketed from; 4,706 in 1999 to 10,995 in 2007. Also reported by the state of Michigan in the same age range was the numbers for all developmental disabilities went from 221,456 in 1999 to 241,941 in 2007. These appalling numbers are becoming all too common. 1992 in California the recorded number of children between the ages of six and twenty-two was 1,605. A mere twelve years later, in two-thousand-six 39,598 children, ages six to twenty-two were reported by the State of California’s department of education.

Scientists are certain that it’s more likely genetics and environmental causes that have caused these irregularities in the brain.  At one point in time the theory was that parental practices were responsible, however, that theory has finally been laid to rest as scientists have proven it to be either a genetically predetermined disorder of the brain or a mystery. They have also indicated that environmental causes may be a factor.  There is also speculation that some of the metals found in the vaccines may bring out the underlying or preexisting condition.   The Journal of American Physicians has found a link between thimerosal introduced exposure to mercury and autism. To date, there are 4,900 cases pending in federal court, with parents insisting that their children did not exhibit any signs or symptoms of autism prior to the vaccinations. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has determined that Hannah Poling, at 18 months old was given a vaccination that aggravated her underlying disorder and caused her autistic symptoms. Two of her immunizations on that date contained thimerosal, a mercury containing vaccine preservative.  Within hours of the vaccine having been administered, Hannah was ill.

Thimerosal is not commonly used (except for the influenza vaccine)  in childhood vaccines. The CDC does not support the theory that thimerosal is associated with autism.                          

CDC Statement on Autism and Thimerosal                                                                                                                     As the country’s leading public health agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is committed to protecting the health of all Americans-including infants, children and adolescents. CDC shares with parents and many others great concern about the number of children with autis, spectrum disorders (ASD). We are committed to understanding what causes autism, how it can be prevented and how it can be recognized and treated as early as possible. We have been using thimerosal as a preservative in vaccines and other products since the early 1930’s. The mercury exposure is such a low dose that the worst reactions reported consisted of nothing more than minor redness at the injection site. The American Academy of Pediatrics decided that the preservative should be reduced if not terminated all together. The Academy has also made it known that they feel temporary discontinuation of the vaccination of children six months and under would be in our best interest.

There is a common misconception that the laws prohibit school admittance for children who are not up to date on their immunizations. Most states and schools simply have a waiver for the legal guardian to sign, stating that for personal, medical or religious reasons, you have chosen not to inoculate your child. Further more, several parents have been pressured not to sign the waiver and instead, simply get the child caught up on the shots.  If you feel that the vaccination is not in your child’s best interest, do not allow anyone to talk you into it. Be sure that you go over all the facts and are well educated on the matter. Weigh the pros and cons. Look at the effects something like measles could have.  Please look at the statistics and remember that the research on the link between autism and these vaccines are inclusive.