MARION SCOTT

DAD Don McKeen was delighted when Scotland's deputy health minister announced parents would be allowed to choose mercury-free jabs for their babies.

The move came after research suggested a link between the chemical - used to extend the shelf life of the diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough vaccine (DTwP) - and autism in youngsters.

Don, 37, suffers from a mild form of autism and did not want to expose his three-month-old son Lewis to the additional risk of the vaccine, which contains high levels of mercury in the chemical preservative, Thiomersal.

But he was stunned to discover that, despite the pledges from the then health No.2, Frank McAveety, parents must fight for mercury-free jabs.

Sunday Mail investigators have discovered parents are struggling to persuade doctors to administer safer jabs - mercury-free Infanrix costs nearly double the old-style vaccine at almost £20 a shot.

The Scottish Executive insist cost is not an issue - but have now declared that it could be YEARS before the vaccine is replaced.

Last night, stunned Don, of Glasgow, demanded to know why doctors were still administering jabs containing poison. He said: "I have Asperger's Syndrome and wanted to make sure no risks were taken with my baby other than the genetic risk he already had.

"Most parents are blissfully unaware that mercury is present in childhood vaccinations. It's so toxic that people probably can't even imagine injecting it into a tiny baby."

Kirsten Haughey, 33, of Bishopton, Renfrewshire, works with autistic children and also faced a fight to get a mercury-free vaccine for baby son Euan.

She said: "I'd read about possible links with autism and didn't want to take that risk.

"I was made to feel as if I was being silly. It took quite a lot of courage to stand up against the pressure.

"I called a public health expert and was treated in a very offhand manner. But I persisted and we've now been told we can get the vaccine we want."

Bill Welsh, 60, of Giffnock, Glasgow, was so shocked when grandson Luke, 8, was diagnosed with autism that he started a support group - Action on Autism.

He said: "We've now got hundreds of members, all desperately seeking help. It costs double to have Infanrix so people will have concerns that cost is being put before safety.

"But what a terrible toll. Not only do families suffer, the actual cost of educating and keeping an autistic person in Scotland today is £3million."

After growing worldwide concerns - with US parents of sufferers launching a £20billion lawsuit against drug firms - American and European health authorities are phasing out vaccines using mercury.

The US Congress announced the withdrawal of Thiomersal from infant vaccines four years ago.

Just last week, Dan Burton, chairman of the Wellness Committee, told the US House of Representatives: "Many parents and a growing number of scientists believe mercury exposure may have contributed to the explosive growth in autism disorders."

In Scotland, autism has rocketed from one case in every 10,000 children in 1990 to one in every 166, with an estimated 3000 child sufferers.

Also in 1990, experts concluded only 8500 children in Scotland needed specialist education. Now the number is 17,500 and growing.

Deputy chief medical officer Dr Andrew Fraser insists: "The World Health Organisation has concluded there is no evidence of toxicity in infants, children or adults exposed to Thiomersal in vaccines."

But Sallie Bernard of SAFE MINDS (Sensible Action For Ending Mercury- Induced Neurological Disorders) hit back. She said: "Vaccines containing mercury should be banned immediately." In February, as concern grew, McAveety, then deputy Scottish health minister, promised mercury- free vaccine on demand.

He said: "Cost is not a consideration. If parents want to explore the alternatives to vaccines that are available, they may do so."

Last night, the Scottish Executive said they intended to phase out vaccines with Thiomersal but that could take years.

A spokesman said: "This could take time because of the need to ensure it does not affect the safety, quality and efficacy of the final vaccines." The concerns over the mercury jabs can be revealed as controversy over MMR vaccinations reignited.

A judge caused outrage on Friday after ordering two girls to have the jab without the consent of their mothers.

He backed two men who wanted their daughters vaccinated despite the opposition of their estranged wives, who were caring for the girls.

Parents can contact Action Against Autism at:

www.actagainstautism.org.uk