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Article: Hawaii school flu shots raising mercury issue

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In Hawaii, some parents seem to understand the potential problems with

ethylmercury in vaccines, but sadly, Effler, the state epidemiologist still

doesn\'t seem to understand.

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http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/Aug/25/ln/hawaii708250345.html

As consent forms for free flu shots for students are being sent home this week,

a group of concerned parents is warning that the vaccines may contain thimerosal

— a preservative containing mercury. But officials from the state Department

of Health are reassuring parents that the thimerosal-containing vaccinations are

safe. The Coalition for Mercury Free Vaccines, a makeshift organization led by

advocates for autistic children, is urging parents to choose FluMist, a nasal

flu spray alternative to the flu shot. Parents are being offered the option

for their child to receive either the shot or the nasal mist in the $2.5 million

program, which is open to public and private elementary and intermediate school

students, according to the state Department of Health. Kalma Wong, president

ofthe Hawai'i chapter of Cure Autism/Autism Speaks, said the jury is still out

on the possible adverse effects of thimerosal. She warns that some scientific

studies say that the mercury-conta!

ining preservative is toxic and possibly causes autism. " Even scientists say

it's inconclusive. So we should err on the side of caution and not allow

thimerosal in vaccines, " she said. " Until you know for sure, don't put it in

there. " However, state epidemiologist Dr. Effler said numerous studies

have shown that there is no connection between thimerosal and autism. Further,

he said, although the preservative contains mercury, the quantity is

insignificant. " The fear is not scientifically valid, " Effler said. " You get

much more mercury from eating a can of tuna fish than getting a vaccine. "

Effler said there are two types of mercury — methylmercury and ethylmercury.

Methylmercury is found in fish and other animals and at high levels can be toxic

to people, he said. Thimerosal contains ethylmercury, which studies have found

breaks down faster and doesn't tend to accumulate in the body and cause harm as

its counterpart does. " While the science doesn't support !

it, there may be some parents that are still concerned about t!

himerosa

l, so we've given them options in this program, " Effler said. " Our goal is to

get as many kids protected against influenza infection as possible. " In

written materials being sent home, parents are being informed about the choice

of flu shot or nasal mist, he said. Parents may designate which option they

prefer. However, Wong said she is concerned that parents may read the material

and not be aware that thimerosal contains mercury. " We want this to be informed

consent, " she said. Last year, there were 15 outbreaks of flu illness reported

in Hawai'i public schools. The state said that in some flu seasons, more than 10

percent of schoolchildren have come down with the illness, which includes

symptoms of high fever, muscle aches and nausea. Vaccinations are open to

public and private school students ages 5 to 13, with funding coming primarily

from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reach Loren Moreno at

lmoreno@....

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