THE VACCINE ADDITIVE THIMEROSAL: CAUSATION AND COMPENSATION FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

Abstract

. This Paper explores the complex thimerosal debate. Part II briefly sets out the history of vaccine manufacturers in the last half of the twentieth century culminating with the passage of the Vaccine Act; it also posits frequent criticisms of the VICP. Part III discusses the theorized thimerosal-autism link and recounts failures and minor successes of parents of autistic children in various tribunals in the past year. The innovative evidentiary solution offered by the Court of Federal Claims, the Omnibus Autism Proceeding, is the focus of Part IV. Lastly, Part V concludes with implications of the thimerosal dispute, including an analysis of relevant provisions in the proposed National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program Improvement Act of 2003.