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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT: Lauren Rooney |
State Rep. Tim Solobay |
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Solobay introduces bill mandating mercury-free vaccines
for children, mothers-to-be
HARRISBURG, March 30 – In an effort to keep Pennsylvania kids healthy, state Rep. Tim Solobay, D-Washington, has introduced a bill that would ban the administration of vaccines that contain mercury to pregnant women or to children under age 3.
Solobay said, “Since the debate continues on whether there is a relationship between mercury-containing vaccines and autism, why not err on the side of caution?”
“Even though most studies dispute a connection between mercury-laden vaccines and autism, if parents are worried about a possible connection, then why not remove the mercury and give parents some peace of mind?” Solobay said.
In a 2001 investigation by the Institute of Medicine, a committee concluded that it does not appear there is a connection between the childhood measles-mumps-rubella vaccine and autism. But the committee also acknowledged that it could not rule out the possibility that the MMR vaccine could contribute to autistic spectrum disorders in a small number of children and that more research is needed.
Solobay’s legislation (H.B. 1001) would also require health insurance companies that cover vaccinations include mercury-free vaccines in the coverage. The bill includes an exemption for an actual or potential bioterrorist incident or other public health emergency.
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