Throughout history, humanity has encountered multiple obstacles. One of the biggest obstacles has been illness. From the common cold to the bubonic plague, viruses and diseases were once considered uncontrollable and deadly. Scientists have recently found ways to fight these diseases: vaccines. When administered, the weak virus in a vaccine is easily overwhelmed by a healthy immune system. The human body memorizes the structure of the virus and is able to fight the full version. When manufacturing vaccines, it is necessary to prevent bacterial or fungal growth in the event of accidental contamination of the vaccine, as could occur during repeated puncture of multidose vials (Q&A). Four-ninths of the 2009-2010 flu vaccine and half of the 2009-2010 H1N1 flu vaccine contain the preservative Thimerosal (thimerosal is present in some vaccines licensed in the United States). Thimerosal contains fifty percent mercury by weight (thimerosal in vaccines). The toxicity of Mercury has long been recognized. The most well-known negative effects of mercury are Minamata disease due to contaminated fish or grains, pink disease due to mercury in teething powders, and Mad Hatter's disease. More recently, thimerosal has been reported to be associated with autism spectrum disorders. A hidden miniature war has broken out between U.S. government health officials and the Coalition for Mercury-Free Medicines, or CoMeD. Both parties acknowledge the dangers of mercury but have taken different positions on the safety of currently offered vaccines and alleged links to ASD. ASD is primarily thought to result from a genetic predisposition. The American Medical Association admits the cause is unconfirmed, but it relays an argument suggesting the cause is primarily genetic, as tests show a prevalence of autism...... middle of paper .... ..ing manufactured for the American market...contains no or only trace amounts of thimerosal” (Questions and Answers). Today's vaccinated children are more likely to become a mermaid than to become autistic thanks to Thimerosal. In fact, by not being vaccinated, our children are at greater risk. It is frightening to imagine that an eradicated disease like polio, rubella, or smallpox would reappear simply because an uninformed parent did not know that thimerosal-free vaccines were available for infants. Talking with doctors isn't just a catchphrase for cheesy drug commercials. A conversation with a trusted family doctor or pediatrician is disastrous for the health of our children. The safety and security of our country and our planet depends on how we pave the way for our children. Vaccinating them safely offers protection against life's vilest and most easily avoidable obstacles..