FW: 2001 Pediatric Vaccine Update Medscape

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-----Original Message-----From: Holly Bortfeld

http://pediatrics.medscape.com/UVA/PedPharm/2001/v07.n03/pp0703.01.buck/pp0703.01.buck-03.html

Thimerosal Elimination Nearing CompletionIn related news, the FDA recently announced the approval of a new formulation of Aventis Pasteur's DTaP vaccine, Tripediaâ. The new product contains no preservatives and only trace amounts of thimerosal. This represents a greater than 95% reduction in the amount of thimerosal compared to the original formulation. The removal of thimerosal from vaccines has been the result of a call from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the United States Public Health Service to eliminate this preservative as a source of mercury exposure in infants.[2] While there have been no case reports of mercury toxicity associated with the use of thimerosal, there was a perceived need to reduce the potential for mercury accumulation during childhood. Since the initial recommendation on July 8, 1999, vaccine manufacturers have voluntarily responded by reformulating their products. At this time, all vaccines in the recommended childhood immunization schedule are available in at least one thimerosal-free or reduced-thimerosal formulation.Visit the ARN Homepage! http://www.geocities.com/ARNFL