General considerations about mercury, thimerosal in pediatrics vaccines

Authors

  • Betzana Zambrano Aventis Pasteur y Laboratorios Clausen, Investigación y Desarrollo de Vacunas de Latinoamérica, Médico Responsable de. Pediatra

Keywords:

THIMEROSAL, MERCURY, SYNTHETIC VACCINES

Abstract

Thimerosal, a mercury derivative, has been used in the medical field because of its antiseptic properties. Since at least 60 years it has been used as a preservative in vaccines to prevent bacterial contamination, particularly in multidose containers. However, by the end of the 90's it has been questionned in the United States and Europe due to its theoretic risks and neurological effects in infants. Since 2001, international organizations, NGOs and government organizations, and WHO's committees have been reviewing available information on this issue. According to their reports, there is no evidence of harm caused by mercury in children nor in adults who have received thimerosal-containing vaccines. Thus, immunization with thimerosal-containing vaccines do not need to be changed.

References

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Published

2004-03-31

How to Cite

1.
Zambrano B. General considerations about mercury, thimerosal in pediatrics vaccines. Rev. Méd. Urug. [Internet]. 2004 Mar. 31 [cited 2024 Sep. 16];20(1):4-11. Available from: https://revista.rmu.org.uy/index.php/rmu/article/view/926

Issue

Section

Review or Update and Updates