Scholarly Evidence to Support Proposed Change

Various articles and studies from scholarly journals have cited evidence suggesting that vaccines containing mercury have the potential to cause significant health concerns, especially for children. Notable articles are listed below:

Wakefield, A.J., et al (1998). Ileal-lymphoid-nodular hyperplasia, non-specific colitis, and pervasive developmental disorder in children. The Lancet Volume 351, 637-641.

This study proposed the interaction between the different viruses contained in the MMR (Mumps/Measles/Rubella) vaccine, could have a negative impact on the child’s immune system and lead to possible brain damage and autism. This study was later disproven due to small sample size and no definitive link between autism and the MMR vaccine, by not before the public latched on to the idea that the MMR vaccine caused or was linked to autism spectrum disorder. Thimerosal is a preservative used in the MMR vaccine.

Cave, S.F. (2008). The history of vaccinations in the light of the autism epidemic. Alternative Therapies in Health & Medicine 14(6), 54-7.

This article gives an overview of past and recent research findings. Specific evidence is cited about California's decrease in the number of children diagnosed with Autism initially after thimerosal was removed from vaccines.


Miller, L. & Reynolds, J. (2009). Autism and Vaccination—The Current Evidence. Journal for Specialists in Pediatric Nursing 14(3), 166-172.

This article summarizes evidence found in various studies concerning the relationship between Autism and different vaccinations. Noted is the possible relationship between Thimerosal and Autism, as well as the CDC's actions in reducing Thimerosal content in vaccinations.


Pinchichero, Michael, et. al. (2009). Mercury Levels in Premature and Low Birth Weight Newborn Infants After Receipt of Thimerosal-Containing Vaccines. The Journal of Pediatrics 5(4), 495-499.

This article reasoned that the blood half-life of intramuscular ethyl mercury from thimerosal in vaccines given to premature infants is substantially shorter than that of oral methyl mercury in adults. Because of the differing pharmacokinetics, exposure guidelines based on oral methyl mercury in adults may not be accurate for children who receive thimerosal- containing vaccines.


Pless, Robert, and John F. Risher. (2000). Mercury, Infant Neurodevelopment, and Vaccination. The Journal of Pediatrics 136(5), 571-573.

This article examines the concern for the relationship between Neurodevelopment of infants and vaccinations containing thimerosal. Its findings from other studies indicate a need for further study in this area to determine thimerosal's true effects.