In the years following the
hepatitis B vaccination/
multiple sclerosis controversy, a number of new issues regarding
vaccine safety have been raised, in some cases leading to more debate and
confusion. Against this background, an international group of experts was convened to review the current points of view concerning the use of
thimerosal as a preservative and its potential risks; the suggested link between
thimerosal-containing
vaccines and
acute lymphoblastic leukemia; the alleged association between
aluminum-containing
vaccines/
macrophagic myofasciitis and general systemic complaints; a possible link between vaccination and autoimmune pathology; and a hypothetical link between
measles-
mumps-
rubella vaccination and
autism. At present, there are no data to conclude that childhood
vaccines, and in particular
hepatitis B vaccine, pose a serious health risk or justify a change in current immunization practice. However,
vaccine "scares" continue to have an international impact on immunization coverage. Creating a positive environment for immunization can be achieved by repositioning the value of
vaccines and vaccination, supported by evidence-based information. The role of international organizations, the media, and the industry in the implementation of communication strategies was discussed and the impact of litigation issues on vaccination was evaluated. The Viral
Hepatitis Prevention Board confirms its commitment to current recommendations for universal and risk group
hepatitis B vaccination and further encourages the conduct of
vaccine safety studies and the dissemination of their results.