Thimerosal debate

Readers of this newspaper continue to raise good points about the pros and cons of vaccines with thimerosal additives.

Thimerosal, which is 50 percent mercury by weight, has been used for decades as an additive in multi-dose vaccines to keep bacteria from growing. Some studies have linked the additive to an increase in autism during the early 1990s. Others say there is no such link.

While the debate rages, some states are moving to ban thimerosal in vaccines given to young children and pregnant women. California recently became the second state do that. Iowa had already approved such a ban. Missouri legislators considered a bill that would have banned thimerosal, but the measure didn't pass in the final days of the session just past.

But even with the mounds of evidence about thimerosal and its possible link to autism, no one can say with 100 percent certainty that thimerosal is the culprit. Studies have been inconclusive and more research is needed. What we do know is that there are vaccines available without thimerosal, and they are available in Southeast Missouri.

Children need to be vaccinated against diseases like polio, mumps and measles, which can create health epidemics if they spread. Vaccines help ensure that children have a chance at living a healthy life.

For parents concerned about their child's health, a thimerosal-free vaccine might be preferable. Yet it's important to make the distinction between placing a ban on thimerosal in childhood vaccines and discouraging childhood vaccinations.

Parents, after talking to their child's doctor, should have the option to choose vaccinations that do not contain thimerosal.