On October 1, 2001, the Institute of Medicine (IOM), a branch of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), issued the long awaited results of its study on Thimerosal containing vaccines. The complete report, which is available on the Internet, is the most exhaustive study of the vaccine safety issue to date but reaches few definite conclusions, due to the lack empirical research. "The committee recommends the use of Thimerosal-free DTaP, Hib, Hepatitis B vaccines in the United States, despite the fact that there might be remaining supplies of Thimerosal-containing vaccine available."

Other recommendations or conclusions of the Institute of Medicine include the following:

• Remove Thimerosal from all vaccines given to infants, children or pregnant women.
   
• The removal of Thimerosal is a "prudent measure."
   
• The hypothesis that Thimerosal causes developmental disorders such as Autism is "biologically plausible."
   
• Research should be done into the way children metabolize heavy metals such as mercury.
   
• Research should be done into the treatment known as Chelation Therapy.
   
• More study is needed on ethyl mercury's effects on developing brain tissue.
   
• Thimerosal should be removed from all products that are intended for use with infants, children or pregnant women.
   
• Government agencies need uniform standards for mercury content in products.
   
• Use only Thimerosal free Hib, DTaP and Hepatitis B vaccines.
   
• Research needs to be done into a safe, effective and inexpensive alternative to Thimerosal.

See complete article in PDF format by Mark & David Grier:

Grier, M.R. & Grier, D. Thimerosal in Childhood Vaccines, Neurodevelopment Disorders, and Heart Disease in the United States. Journal of American Physicians & Surgeons. Volume 8, Number 1, Spring 2003.

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Last modified: January 03, 2008