In the public health world, vaccines are one of the greatest success stories. Through vaccines, we have dissolved smallpox and nearly annihilated the polio virus. The number of fatalities due to preventable diseases such as measles and whooping cough is at an ultimate all-time low. To assure the continued success of vaccinations worldwide, it is absolutely crucial to make sure that all vaccines are safe. Before being approved by the …show more content…
Autism spectrum disorder is a development disorder that stunts the abilities to communicate and interact. A vaccine ingredient that has been carefully studied is thimerosal. Thimerosal is an organic mercury compound used as a preservative in multi-dose vials. It is added to vials of vaccines to prevent further growth of germs, such as bacteria and fungi. As stated by the research of Geier, Hooker, Kern, King, Sykes, the human body is equipped to pass thimerosal quickly (Geier, Hooker, Kern, King, Sykes, 2013). It does not stay in to the body long, so that it could potentially build up and reach extremely harmful levels. Thimerosal's use in medical products has had a record of being very safe. Data from many studies show no evidence of harm caused by the low amounts of thimerosal in vaccines