The controversy over a possible connection between childhood vaccinations and autism continues.  This past week, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Health Beat (http://www.hhs.gov/news/healthbeat/2011/01/20110112a.html  ) by Ira Dreyfuss pointed out that there is evidence from additional studies that the vaccine preservative thimerosal may be safer than previously thought.

Although some parents claim thimerosal can cause autism spectrum disorder (ASD), "researchers have consistently shown no such connection," Dreyfuss says. A recent study examined mothers' exposure to immunizations containing thimerosal and data from approximately 1,000 children.  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) research scientist Frank DeStefano indicated the study published in Pediatrics gives "the strongest evidence to date that immunization during pregnancy with thimerosal-containing vaccines does not increase risk of ASD.''   Thimerosal is contained only in some flu vaccines.  All flu vaccines do not contain thimerosal.   Childsafetyblog.org will keep you posted on this issue as we receive additional information!