Male Speaker: We presently do not have a mercury-free vaccine for kids, very young from six to two years, six months to two years old. We have a live vaccine for two and above. Thimerosal is in the multi-dose vaccine. Presently not allowed to give it, do you have any concerns giving that vaccine with Thimerosal.
Dr. Michael Marcus: At the present time there is a recommendation that we use Thimerosal free vaccine as long as it is available. However, given the seriousness of the epidemic and the severity of influenza, there is the possibility that we would be using Thimerosal-containing influenza vaccine, even in children under the age of two. Data has been accumulated over the past more than 10 years now investigating whether there truly is any risk with Mercury or Thimerosal containing vaccine and the subsequent development of any problems in children, including the concern about autism.
The data at this point in time after being thoroughly analyzed has failed to show any link whatsoever between mercury and or thimerosal containing vaccine and the development of autism in children. We are in the process of reevaluating that recommendation since scientific evidence clearly has shown that it is not exist a link between the vaccine contained thimerosal and the development of autism in children.
Male Speaker: Robert Goldberg wrote a great article of all places in the New York Post: Why You Can't Get Swine-Flu Vaccine, and he brought up the fact that, if we had a multi-dose vaccine with thimerosal it will be readily produce making individual doses, it's problem some, almost the point we may not have any for these kids, and he exposed this fear that's unjustified, we should be allowed to do it. I hope all people realize this is not something we are trying to do to hurt the children, we are trying to protect the children, is that true?
Dr. Michael Marcus: It is entirely true, it's a very well written article. I recommend people to take a look at it. It's a matter of the limitations in how much vaccine can be reduced in how short period of time. If we want to be able to achieve maximum production of vaccine to be able to protect the maximum number of patients then producing vaccines which contains thimerosal as a preservative, in multi-use while gives us the greatest benefit for the greatest number of people with the greatest potential for a good outcome.
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