Suffolk County, NY moves to buy only HG-free vaccines for Pregnant Women and Kids

[Guest guest]

The bold action of the Suffolk County New York Legislature opens up a whole new

area for activism on the mercury in vaccines issues: local hospital, clinics and

health programs. Local governments can decide whether they will or will not buy

mercury-containing vaccines. And our opponents are not nearly as well organized

on the local level as they are on the state or especially the federal level. I

encourage everyone to look into what their local governments are doing on this

issue and get active.

LEGISLATOR STEVEN STERN MOVES TO BAN MERCURY IN VACCINES

HUNTINGTON, NY & shy;Suffolk County Legislator Stern (D-Huntington)

16th LD, Vice-Chair of the Legislature¹s Health & Human Services Committee,

introduced legislation today in the Suffolk County Legislature that if approved,

will require County Health Center facilities to utilize mercury-free

vaccinations only administered to pregnant women and children three and under.

As many special needs families know, the use of mercury in vaccinations has long

been suspected as a possible contributor to certain developmental disabilities,

including the autism spectrum. ³Although there has been no study producing a

definitive direct link, there is compelling research to raise serious and

legitimate concerns,² Stern said. ³As a parent of young children myself, I

would always rather be safe than sorry² Stern said.

Currently, there is New York State legislation that will place limits on the

amount of mercury in vaccinations. However, Stern noted that the New York State

law still allows for some amounts of mercury. Stern¹s bill would prohibit any

level. New York State law doesn¹t take effect until 2008. ³We must act now.

With 1 in 166 children being diagnosed with autism, a

profound tragedy of epidemic proportions is upon us and we must act with a sense

of urgency,² said Stern. ³As with any health crisis, we must always consider

both services for treatment and methods for prevention,² Stern explained. ³I

will always support programs for special needs families, but we also need

prevention. This legislation is not just a ban, but a call to action,² said

Stern.

Suffolk County Legislator Jack Eddington (D-Patchogue) 7th LD, who is a

co-sponsor of the bill added, ³This County has a history of acting proactively

to protect its citizens. This is another instance where Suffolk County must

take the lead and act in the best interest of its youngest residents. Even if

it is a small chance that mercury-laden vaccines cause autism, it is not a

chance worth taking when mercury free alternatives are available, ² Eddington

said.

Gilmore, treasurer of Advocates for Children¹s Health Affected by Mercury

Poisoning said ³Something is fundamentally broken at the FDA and CDC and we are

fortunate that

we have local legislators who have the foresight and courage to do what is

necessary to protect our children from unnecessary exposure to mercury in

vaccines.²

Zichittella-Heeren, President of the Long Island Chapter of the

National Autism Association and the mother of a six year old with autism said,

³I am very proud that the members of the Suffolk County legislature are taking

on this issue and care about their constituents. The safety of thimerosal has

not been proven beyond a shadow of a doubt and keeping it out of vaccines is the

right thing to do especially since autism is epidemic. "

Suffolk County Legislator Elie Mystal (D-Amityville) 15th LD, who is the

Chairman of the Health & Human Services Committee, said ³This legislation is an

example of what County government is all about: protecting the health and

safety of our citizens.²

In addition to this legislation, Stern has also introduced Memorializing

Resolution M 035, which will be considered by the Legislature next month, in

support of the federal ³Combating Autism Act² of 2005.