Seven years after the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) officially requested the removal of thimerosal from vaccines, it still amazes me the organization remains active in fighting state bans regarding the mercury-laden preservative, albeit behind the scenes.

For example, before Illinois legislators passed a ban on thimerosal, the Illinois chapter of the AAP was planning to ask for an exemption on the grounds the supply of thimerosal-free flu vaccines for babies and young children would run out.

Another interesting factoid: The Illinois Department of Public Health failed to warn doctors about changes in vaccine laws. Why? The agency mandated the use of mercury-based vaccines for 18 months after the deadline spelled out in the law because they were able to justify a shortage of thimerosal-free jabs when there was, in reality, a surplus, according to documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act.

These acts of omission by various ADA chapters are no less despicable, however, than the behind-the scenes antics of the CDC to kill a move to produce thimerosal-free vaccines seven years ago.

With studies like the one posted in today's eHealthy News You Can use newsletter that found traces of the measles vaccine in autistic children, let's hope this stealth lobbying by health agencies in behalf of thimerosal comes to an end very soon.

Association of American Physicians and Surgeons June 15, 2006