Parents reluctant to have their children immunized against
common diseases present a frequent, often daunting challenge to
family physicians and pediatricians. “There are many reasons
parents may want to avoid vaccinations for their kids,” says
Robert Brayden, MD, professor of pediatrics at University of
Colorado and board president of the Colorado Children’s
Immunization Coalition. “Some are concerned about mercury [used
in vaccines as a preservative] — they fear it can cause seizures
or nervous system disorders. Some worry about aluminum, a
vaccine adjuvant, stimulating an immune system response. Others
believe vaccine manufacturers give physicians financial
incentives to immunize patients.” Robert Brayden, MD (photo from
childrenscolorado.org) For the record: Mercury is an ingredient
in the preservative thimerosol, discontinued or used in only
trace amounts in children’s vaccines since 2001. Extensive
research has shown that vaccines containing thimerosol do not
cause autism. The reduction or elimination o