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Mercury/Thimerosal

Thimerosal is an ethylmercury-based preservative that has been used in many vaccines since the early 1930s. Because ethylmercury is a known neurotoxin, thimerosal has more recently come under attack as a potential factor in the explosion of autism our country has seen, particularly since the 1990s (when more vaccines were added to the recommended schedule).

Acting on this concern, almost every vaccine used for children is now produced in a thimerosal-free form. In fact, according to the medical director of the immunization program at the state Department of Public Health, all state-made vaccines are thimerosal-free. However, because other manufacturers may continue to use trace amounts of thimerosal, you would do well to ask your doctor for the thimerosal-free versions. For the sake of surity, you might also request to see the package insert and the vial that contains the vaccine.