The argument over an alleged connection between autism and vaccines has been raging for years and today yet another study found no link between exposure to vaccines with the preservative Thimerosal and an increase in the risk of developing autism.

The claim that vaccines and autism are somehow linked has stubbornly continued, even though a growing number of studies have found no connection and the fact that vaccines play a crucial role in maintaining good public health.

For none of the autism outcomes was prenatal or early life receipt of thimerosal-containing vaccines and immunoglobulins significantly greater among children with ASD than among children without ASD. These results add to the evidence that thimerosal-containing vaccines do not increase the risk of autism. – “Thimerosal in Vaccines Not Linked to Autism.” American Academy of Pediatrics, 9/13/10.

This is only the latest development to weaken the belief that autism and shots are linked. Last month the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit upheld a previous ruling rejecting a proposed link between vaccines and autism, Parenting.com reports. (“The end of the autism/vaccine debate?” via CNN.com.)

Chamber of Commerce Takes Up Early Learning Torch: The business community is increasingly interested in early learning, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is lending its substantial influence and leverage to building better child care and preschools.

The Early Childhood Education Initiative will tap the Chamber’s extensive network of local members and national allies to push for better early learning programs and fuel the debate. The chamber makes a direct connection between good child care and a more competitive workforce, which sometimes gets lost in the debate and research over benefits of early learning.

The initiative issued a new report late last week that is excellent fodder for its campaign. The report offers a great summary of research on what early learning is, how it helps and the current state of the industry.

Because the business community understands the importance of having a world-class education system, the mission of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for a Competitive Workforce (ICW) is to promote high educational standards and effective workforce training. Achieving a world-class system, however, begins with high-quality early learning opportunities for children from birth to age five. – “Why Business Should Support Early Childhood Education.” 9/8/10.

Check it out.