Found this on delawareonline.com

June 11, 2007

Parents claiming vaccine-autism link get their day in courtAssociated Press

Posted Monday, June 11, 2007 at 9:15 am

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WASHINGTON — Thousands of families that allege vaccines caused their

children’s autism are preparing for their day in court, which could bring them

vindication and compensation.

Since 1999, more than 4,800 families have filed claims with the government

alleging their children contracted autism as a result of routine vaccinations.

Most contend that a preservative called thimerosal is to blame for the impaired

social interaction typical of the disorder.

Previously, large scientific studies have found no association between autism

and vaccines containing thimerosal.

But many parents say their children’s symptoms did not show up until after their

children received the vaccines, required by many states for admission to school.

If they prevail in the courts, the families are entitled to compensation from a

multibillion-dollar trust fund.

The first of what eventually could be nine test cases from those claims is the

subject of the hearing opening today in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. Three

special masters appointed by the court will preside over the hearing, expected

to last through June 29.

Autism is characterized by impaired social interaction. Those affected often

have trouble communicating, and they exhibit unusual or severely limited

activities and interests. Classic symptoms of mercury poisoning include anxiety,

fatigue and abnormal irritation, as well as cognitive and motor dysfunction.

Today’s case addresses the theory that the cause of autism is the measles, mumps

and rubella vaccine in combination with other vaccines containing thimerosal.

The preservative, about 50 percent mercury by weight, is no longer found in

routine childhood vaccines but is used in some flu shots.

In July 1999, the U.S. government asked vaccine manufacturers to eliminate or

reduce, as expeditiously as possible, the mercury content of their vaccines to

avoid any possibility of infants who receive vaccines being exposed to more

mercury than is recommended by federal guidelines.

On the Web U.S. Court of Federal Claims: http://www.uscfc.uscourts.gov

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