erudity.net prattlings on via nattering nabobs

H1N1, vaccines, thimerosal and mercury

I had a brief, albeit rather engaged, discussion/argument with the family tonight about the flu.  Specifically, that I had recently had a flu-mist inoculation against seasonal influenza and was eagerly awaiting the rollout of the H1N1 vaccine.  After a round of questions about the side effects of the flu mist (none, by the way) my brother stated that he was going to avoid all flu vaccines because he heard - and while this isn't verbatim, it's close - "from a friend who's sister was a nurse that the mercury in the vaccines gives kids autism."

This assertion was greeted with a bit of assent from my sister, a physical therapist, my dad, an orthopedic surgeon, and assorted other persons present.  After a bit of shock at the people who were agreeing with the point, I brought up ethylmercury vs. methylmercury, the history of thimerosal in vaccines, and several studies discounting the link between either thimerosal or vaccines to autism.  Response?

"I'll forward you the email."