A Perilous Cure

Throughout history, mankind has encountered multiple obstacles. One of the main roadblocks has been illness. From a simple cold to the bubonic plague, viruses and diseases were once thought uncontrollable and deadly. Scientists have recently found ways to combat such illnesses – vaccines. When administered, the weak virus in a vaccine is easily overwhelmed by a healthy immune system. The human body remembers the virus structure and is capable of fighting the full version. In manufacturing vaccines, it is necessary to prevent bacterial or fungal growth in the event that the vaccine is accidentally contaminated, as might occur with repeated puncture of multi-dose vials (Questions and Answers). Four ninths of the 2009-2010 influenza vaccine and half of the 2009-2010 H1N1 vaccine contain the Thimerosal preservative (Thimerosal in Some U.S. Licensed Vaccines). Thimerosal is fifty percent Mercury by weight (Thimerosal in Vaccines). The toxicity of Mercury has long been recognized. Commonly known negative effects of mercury are Minamata disease from contaminated fish or grain, Pink disease from Mercury in teething powders, and Mad Hatter’s disease. Most recently, Thimerosal has allegedly been linked to Autism Spectrum Disorders. A hidden miniature war has erupted between United States government health officials and the Coalition for Mercury-free Drugs, or CoMeD. Both sides admit the dangers of mercury but have taken different positions on the safety of currently offered vaccines and alleged links to ASD.

Primarily, ASD is believed to arise from genetic disposition. The American Medical Association admits the cause is unconfirmed, but they relay an argument suggesting the cause is primarily genetic because tests show prevalence of auti...

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...ing manufactured for the U.S. market…contain no Thimerosal or only trace amounts” (Questions and Answers). Today’s vaccinated children have a greater chance of becoming a mermaid than becoming Autistic from Thimerosal. In fact, by not being vaccinated, a greater risk is imposed on our children. It is scary to imagine an eradicated disease such as Polio, Rubella, or Smallpox reappearing simply because an ill-informed parent did not know Thimerosal-free vaccines were available for infants. Talking with doctors is not just a tagline for cheesy medication commercials. Conversation with a trusted family doctor or pediatrician is dire for the health of our children. The safety and security of our country and our planet depends on how we pave the road for our kids. Safely immunizing them provides protection from the most vile and easily preventable roadblocks in life.