Vaccines Don't Cause Autism

The jury is in on this one. After decades of research, no link has been found between the preservative thimerosal (no longer used to preserve vaccines) and autism. But the suspicion of a connection has caused lasting harm to public health according to Art Caplan, director of the Center for Bioethics at the University of Pennsylvania.

This nation's future, its national security, the safety of its health-care institutions, and the safety of its citizens depends upon vaccination. It is way past time that message got heard by parents, teachers, nurses, doctors, hospital administrators, the media and politicians. If there has been a more harmful urban legend circulating in our society than the vaccine-autism link, it is hard to know what it might be. At a time when vaccines may be our last best hope in facing some of the greatest challenges we and our children face, this legend needs to be put to rest. Vaccination, not vaccine-bashing, is what this nation needs.

Fact: No Link of Vaccine, Autism [Philly.com]