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 SafeMinds Press Room
Steps Taken to Protect New Jersey's Children from Mercury Laden Vaccines In response to concerns raised by many parents with regard to vaccines and the passage of a new mandate that would require influenza and meningococcal vaccination of children, New Jersey Assemblywoman Charlotte Vandervalk has pre-filed A-165 for consideration by New Jersey's legislature in 2008. Assemblywoman Vandervalk stated, "I'm gravely concerned about what's happening here today," with regard to the December 10th actions of the New Jersey Public Health Council in passing the vaccine mandate. The mandate is expected to be approved by Health Commissioner Fred Jacobs. Currently New Jersey allows for medical and religious exemption for immunizations. A-165 would provide residents of New Jersey with the addition of conscientious exemption to mandatory immunizations, which 19 other states currently allow as a condition for exemption. Sue Collins, Co-Founder of the New Jersey Alliance for Informed Choice in Vaccination (NJAICV - 1-800-613-9925 www.NJAICV.org) is advising residents to contact their legislators and urge their support for A-165. Calls to Governor Corzine (609) 292-6000 and Health Commissioner, Fred Jacobs (609) 292-7837 continued to be encouraged to ask that they not approve the mandate. Advocates for Children's Health Affected by Mercury Poisoning (A-CHAMP) has also posted a legislative action alert. BACKGROUND: On December 10th the New Jersey Public Health Council has adopted a mandate to add 4 new vaccinations for New Jersey's school children. The influenza and meningitis vaccine, named in the mandate, continues to be marketed in the United States in versions containing 25 mcg of mercury (thimerosal), a level far above EPA safety limits. The mandate did not state a preference for mercury free vaccines, making New Jersey the first state in the nation to mandate the use of vaccines that continue to contain mercury above EPA safety limits. Under EPA safety limits on thimerosal, vaccines containing 25 mcg of thimerosal may only safely be used on individuals weighing 550 lbs or more.
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