I don't know about you, but this worries me. Any time there has been identification of scientifically-proven exposure limits for toxins or chemicals, I take that as pretty much the best that could get approved by a committee with many members from the opposing side and stay clear of that limit for my family. Let's be honest, we all know that the chemical industry has more money and influence than consumer advocates. So when I read this statement from the Washington State Department of Health, I got a little nervous.
State health officials are taking steps to ensure Washington residents at highest risk for H1N1 (swine flu) infection have broad access to the new vaccine when its available. Secretary of Health Mary Selecky is temporarily suspending Washington's limit on the amount of mercury (thimerosal) allowed in H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine given to pregnant women and children under three.
Note: the CDC has identified children and pregnant women's fetus as most vulnerable to mercury exposure And the Washington State government is now allowing greater exposure to this group.
The six-month suspension is effective through March 23, 2010 and applies only to H1N1 (swine flu) vaccines now being developed. As a precaution, Washington state law limits the amount of mercury that can be in vaccines for pregnant women and children under three. The secretary of health can suspend the law when there's a shortage of vaccine or during a disease outbreak both criteria apply to the H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine. Supplies of mercury-free vaccine will be limited, which may stop people in these groups who want the vaccine from getting it.
When the limits are suspended, the law requires that pregnant or lactating women and parents or guardians of children under 18 be told they're getting a vaccine containing more mercury than is usually permitted. There is no specific notification method required; most patients will get a handout to read.
I get those handouts with every vaccine I give my child and will readily admit that I skim them at best. Unless this handout was given to me with explicit mention of the changed policy, increased risk or came with an audio chip reading that portion to me, there's little chance I'd see it. Let alone understand it out of context.
What this comes down to for me, personally, is the question: what am I most concerned with? The unknown danger of swine flu or the unknown danger of mercury exposure. For now, I'm way more concerned about putting a known toxic chemical in my children's bodies.That's where my fear is. How about you?
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