All Conference Presentations, Performances and Exhibits
Thymerosal in Immunizations: Parent's perspectives, Scientific Findings & Controversies
Sources available upon request.
Abstract/Description
Immunzations have been around for quite some time, and throughout recent history have been scientifically proven to be effective and efficient in preventing contraction and spread of communicable diseases. Vaccines are distributed across the globe and a lot of them require preservatives to remain effective. Thymerosal, a mercury based preservative used in vaccines has been found to have neurotoxic effects. Concerns have been expressed over possibilities of this chemical causing autism and other chronic neurologic disabilities. The goal is to explore parent's knowledge and perspectives of this chemical, research scientific findings that either support or disprove this relationship and explore any controversies around the addition and administration of this compound; thus, debunking the ultimate question of whether this chemical has any continued health effects on children.
This paper will explore the negative impacts of thymerosal exposure in the prenatal and infancy stages on neurologic development as well as its links to autism spectrum and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in childhood which continues to be influential on whether families immunize their kids.
The model/framework that will be used is the Health Belief Model. This paper will be exploring parents perspectives on thymerosal by incorporating the parent's perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, and barriers that they may believe or experience.
Thymerosal in Immunizations: Parent's perspectives, Scientific Findings & Controversies
Guzman Lecture Hall
Immunzations have been around for quite some time, and throughout recent history have been scientifically proven to be effective and efficient in preventing contraction and spread of communicable diseases. Vaccines are distributed across the globe and a lot of them require preservatives to remain effective. Thymerosal, a mercury based preservative used in vaccines has been found to have neurotoxic effects. Concerns have been expressed over possibilities of this chemical causing autism and other chronic neurologic disabilities. The goal is to explore parent's knowledge and perspectives of this chemical, research scientific findings that either support or disprove this relationship and explore any controversies around the addition and administration of this compound; thus, debunking the ultimate question of whether this chemical has any continued health effects on children.
This paper will explore the negative impacts of thymerosal exposure in the prenatal and infancy stages on neurologic development as well as its links to autism spectrum and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in childhood which continues to be influential on whether families immunize their kids.
The model/framework that will be used is the Health Belief Model. This paper will be exploring parents perspectives on thymerosal by incorporating the parent's perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, and barriers that they may believe or experience.