§ Lord Hodgson of Astley Abbottsasked Her Majesty's Government:
What research has taken place into allergic reactions to thimerosal/mercury-based vaccines, especially among infant children. [HL1024]
§ Lord Hunt of Kings HeathThere is a substantial body of published research on allergic (hypersensitivity) reactions associated with thiomersal. This research has shown that thiomersal, which is contained in some vaccines used in infants, can cause mild hypersensitivity reactions that typically include skin rashes or local swelling at the site of injection. Severe hypersensitivity reactions to thiomersal-containing vaccines, such as those involving swelling of the face and wheezing, are rare. A list of relevant publications has been placed in the Library.
The European Medicines Evaluation Agency's Scientific Committee for Proprietary Medicinal Products (CPMP) reviewed the safety of medicinal products containing thiormersal in 1999. The CPMP advised that there is no evidence of harm caused by the level of thiomersal exposure from vaccines. Given the known association between thiomersal and hypersensitivity reactions, the CPMP advised that warnings about these reactions should be provided in the product information for thiomersal-containing vaccines.
As with all medicinal products, the Medicines Control Agency and Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM) keeps the safety of thiomersal-containing vaccines under continual review. The CSM reviewed the safety of thiomersal-containing vaccines in 2001 and advised that, with the exception of hypersensitivity reactions, there is no evidence of harm from thiomersal contained in vaccines. Therefore, the CSM advised that the benefits of immunisation with thiomersal-containing vaccines outweigh any potential risks of vaccination.