A study published today in the New England Journal of Medicine reports no association with early thimerosal exposure and adverse neuropsychological outcomes in children.
Specifically, the authors conclude:
"Our study does not support a causal association between early exposure to mercury from thimerosal-containing vaccines and immune globulins and deficits in neuropsychological functioning at the age of 7 to 10 years."
Thimerosal is an ethylmercury-containing preservative that has been used in some vaccines for many years. In 1999, it was removed from most vaccines due to increasing public concern about the potential for excessive mercury exposure. In spite of a large body of scientific evidence demonstrating no link between vaccines and autism or other neurologic problems, there is persistent misconception in the popular press and on the internet suggesting a link. The authors in the current study did not look specifically at rates of autism, but a follow-up study is expected next year.
It is our strong personal and professional belief that following the standard vaccine schedule is the safest and best thing for your child, and is also in the best interest for public health. All of the vaccines in our office are available in preservative-free formulations. We have done this to avoid any parental concern, and not because we believe there is any risk. We welcome your questions regarding vaccines and vaccine safety, and we hope that the new study will provide further confidence for parents and pediatricians. In addition to the full articles below, I would encourage everyone to read
Dr. Offit's commentary -- it provides a very clear, concise history of the thimerosal controversy.
ABC News Story
New England Journal of Medicine Article
ImmunizationInfo.org