If you've had a baby recently, you may have noticed that your child did not receive a hepatitis B immunization before leaving the hospital nursery.

That is because this practice has been suspended until a vaccine can be developed which does not contain the additive Thimerosal.

Thimerosal has been used to prevent bacteria contamination in some vaccines (particularly those contained in multi-dose vials), and to control the growth of some forms of bacteria in other vaccines. The compound is quite effective, but contains ethyl mercury. High levels of mercury could cause serious problems in infants, whose neurological systems are particularly vulnerable.

There are no guidelines for acceptable exposure limits for this particular type (ethyl) of mercury.

Though the amount of ethyl mercury contained in any vaccine is small, concern over the cumulative effect on mercury levels for a child receiving several immunizations within the first six months of life has been raised. There is no evidence that children have been exposed to harmful levels of mercury by following the existing immunization schedule.

But, to address the idea that there may be some potential for harm; the Public Health Service and the American Academy of Pediatrics issued a joint statement. Both groups and the vaccine manufacturers agree that Thimerosal must be removed from all vaccines. They also recommend: ” Postponing the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine from birth to two-six months (AAP prefers six months) of age for infants born to mothers who test negative for hepatitis B.

” Postponing hepatitis B immunization to premature infants of hepB-negative mothers until the children reach term age and a weight of at least 2.5 kilograms. But if in any circumstance the hepatitis B status of the mother is unknown at the time of birth, the vaccine should be given.

All area hospitals are aware of this recent change. Southern Regional, Spalding Regional, South Fulton and Henry medical centers no longer administer hepatitis B vaccines to newborns of hepB-negative mothers.

The Fayette County Health Department follows the guidelines of the PHS by administering the vaccine between two and six months of age. “We have also found that the majority of the brands of vaccine that we carry for routine immunization of young children do not contain Thimerosal,” said a spokesman. Hepatitis B vaccine is the exception.

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