Currently This

A few years back, my sister was looking through my son's first year baby calendar and noted that my remarks about his development were all 'normal' and 'perfect' until he got his first set of shots, and THEN I started noting funny stuff. This was right around the time that the whole thing about thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative that used to be used in kid vaccines, and the possibility that it was causing autism in our kids, came to a head.

Of course, the government immediately pooh poohed the idea that they would allow our children to be deliberately injected with chemicals which could harm them, by golly, and they were offended - offended, I tell you, at the mere suggestion. But it wouldn't be the first time the government told us a chemical was safe to use only to find later that it had horrific consequences for our kids. 'Thimerosal' even sounds like 'Thalidomide', doesn't it?

A flurry of studies on both sides of the controversy ensued, each stating unequivocally that their side was right. In the middle, you have parents of kids with various degrees of autism who are trying to live with the probability that we injected our kids with their disorder. That we took them to the doctor, told them it would 'just be a little pinch', injected them with autism, impaired them for life, then gave them a lollipop. Behind us, you have all the parents of kids who are told that their child cannot attend public (and most private) schools unless they have their immunizations.

The government says they no longer use thimerosal in kid vaccines.

No, really. Stop laughing. They told us they did and by golly that's good enough for several rednecks out in ButtFuck County, USA.

But not me. And not for a lot of us still trying to find out why the incidence of autism related disorders rose in California 270% between 1987 and 1998. And god help them all if the courts vote that they lied to us. Hell hath no fury like a mother.


"Court to Focus on Vaccine-Autism Link
From Associated Press
June 11, 2007 8:38 AM EDT

WASHINGTON - Thousands of families that allege vaccines caused their children's autism are preparing for their day in court, which could bring them vindication and compensation.

Since 1999, more than 4,800 families have filed claims with the government alleging their children developed autism as a result of routine vaccinations. Most contend that a preservative called thimerosal is to blame for the impaired social interaction typical of the disorder.

Previously, large scientific studies have found no association between autism and vaccines containing thimerosal.

But many parents say their children's symptoms did not show up until after their children received the vaccines, required by many states for admission to school. If they prevail in the courts, the families are entitled to compensation from a multibillion-dollar trust fund.

The first of what eventually could be nine test cases from those claims is the subject of the hearing opening Monday in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. Three special masters appointed by the court will preside over the hearing, expected to last through June 29.

The court is being asked to decide whether there is a link between autism and childhood vaccines. If it finds one exists, the families could be eligible for compensation under the Vaccine Injury Compensation Fund, a program established by Congress to ensure an adequate supply of vaccines by safeguarding manufacturers from lawsuits. Under the program, people injured by vaccines receive compensation through a special trust fund.

Autism is characterized by impaired social interaction. Those affected often have trouble communicating, and they exhibit unusual or severely limited activities and interests. Classic symptoms of mercury poisoning include anxiety, fatigue and abnormal irritation, as well as cognitive and motor dysfunction.

Monday's case addresses the theory that the cause of autism is the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine in combination with other vaccines containing thimerosal. The preservative, about 50 percent mercury by weight, is no longer found in routine childhood vaccines but is used in some flu shots.

In July 1999, the U.S. government asked vaccine manufacturers to eliminate or reduce, as expeditiously as possible, the mercury content of their vaccines to avoid any possibility of infants who receive vaccines being exposed to more mercury than is recommended by federal guidelines."