Do autism and immunizations go hand in hand?
There has been a lot of controversy stating that autism is caused by thimerosal, a mercury containing preservative found in some vaccines. Some parents fear their children will develop this disorder, and in the state of Michigan, they have the right to waive vaccination based on medical, philosophical, or religious reasons. There have been frequent studies since the claims originated to determine if the link exists. In 1992, Denmark and Sweden both discontinued use of thimerosal in vaccinations (American Journal of Preventive Medicine, August 2003). Over the next 7 years, autism rates in Denmark increased dramatically despite the lack of the preservative. This study was reviewed after an increase in California in July 2001 of autism incidences, but lack of evidence agreed with there being no correlation to vaccine and disorder. In the Vaccine Safety Datalink Thimerosal and Autism Case Control study, the database showed no correlation to thimerosal content of vaccines and autism rates.
