Pediatrics
December 2012, VOLUME 130 / ISSUE 6
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/current.shtml

Early Releases
Global Vaccination Recommendations and Thimerosal
Walter A. Orenstein, Jerome A. Paulson, Michael T. Brady, Louis Z. Cooper, and Katherine Seib
Pediatrics peds.2012-1760; Published online December 17, 2012 (10.1542/peds.2012-1760)

Excerpt
“…Global removal of thimerosal has the potential to adversely affect the worldwide vaccine supply. In recent reports given to WHO, estimates were presented by acknowledged experts on the impact of global removal of thimerosal; some estimates were based on expert opinion

but had the advantage of input from other experts within the context of 3 WHO technical consultations or expert advisory meetings. The increases in manufacturing cost vary greatly from country to country, ranging from 200% to .500%.22–25 Single-dose vials would reduce manufacturing capacity and increase the amount of transportation and storage space required more than threefold. The resulting cold-chain requirements would be untenable in many areas of the world because of programmatic challenges and increased workload.22,24,25  Furthermore, single-dose packaging produces more waste (both vaccine and CO2 emissions). 22,24,26 The continued benefits of thimerosal use in vaccine manufacturing clearly outweigh any perceived risks.

WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization27 recently recommended that this part of the ban be removed from the UNEP treaty28 and we concur.29 This is an exciting time for global immunization programs. Global immunization efforts are being supported worldwide by many organizations, including the US government as both humanitarian and protective measures. 30 As advocates for the health of all children, we strongly support these efforts also. Immunization prevents approx. 2.5 million deaths a year globally. Millions more deaths could be prevented if global immunization efforts are bolstered.31 The preponderance of available evidence has failed to demonstrate serious harm associated with thimerosal in vaccines. As such, we extend our strongest support to the recent Strategic Advisory Group of Experts recommendations to retain the use of thimerosal in the global vaccine supply.

Ban on Thimerosal in Draft Treaty on Mercury: Why the AAP’s Position in 2012 Is So Important
Louis Z. Cooper and Samuel L. Katz
Pediatrics peds.2012-1823; Published online December 17, 2012 (10.1542/peds.2012-1823)
Full Text (PDF)

STATEMENT OF ENDORSEMENT: Recommendation of WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization
Pediatrics peds.2012-2262; Published online December 17, 2012 (10.1542/peds.2012-2262)
Full Text (PDF)

Global Justice and the Proposed Ban on Thimerosal-Containing Vaccines
Katherine King, Megan Paterson, and Shane K. Green
Pediatrics peds.2012-2976; Published online December 17, 2012 (10.1542/peds.2012-2976)
Full Text (PDF)