In a revolutionary measure, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s vaccine advisory panel has voted against the use of thimerosal in flu shots.
See the tweet below!
Critics view this as a drastic step influenced by Kennedy’s long-standing opposition to certain vaccine components.
This move could represent a significant overhaul in public health policy.
A federal panel restructured by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made a crucial recommendation against thimerosal in seasonal influenza vaccines.
Known for his skepticism regarding vaccines, Kennedy overhauled the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) by replacing all 17 former members with his ideological allies.
Critics have scrutinized the decision, pointing out the lack of evidence showing harm from thimerosal.
Despite years of rigorous scientific studies, Kennedy’s panel concluded the preservative should be removed from flu shots.
The vote was 5-1 in favor of restricting thimerosal, with one abstention. Dr. Cody Meissner was the lone dissenting voice, voicing concerns that the risks from influenza far exceed any minimal risk posed by thimerosal.
Many echo Meissner’s concern, with experts noting that this decision could have serious implications for global vaccine availability and costs.
Thimerosal is important in preserving vaccines used in many countries, and removing it may lower vaccine access worldwide.
Dr. Meissner captured a critical perspective, saying, “Removing thimerosal from all vaccines used in other countries, for example, is going to reduce access to these vaccines, it will increase costs, and I think it’s important to note that no study has ever indicated any harm from thimerosal.”
His words resonate with those worried about potential negative effects on vaccine accessibility.
The controversy swirls around thimerosal, an ethylmercury-based preservative used since pre-WWII and removed from most vaccines for precautionary reasons.
However, it’s still in about 5% of multidose flu vaccine vials in the U.S. Experts argue that thimerosal poses negligible risk, emphasizing the stark difference between ethylmercury in thimerosal and methylmercury prevalent in seafood.
Dr. Sean O’Leary criticized the panel’s decision, stating, “There is a very big difference between what was shared at the meeting versus what is reality.”
O’Leary, along with others in the medical community, lamented the omission of a CDC presentation on thimerosal data that had proven its safety.
Lyn Redwood’s presentation, which influenced the panel, faced scrutiny for relying on questionable studies.
The panel’s decision may alter global vaccine guidance if adopted by the CDC, potentially increasing pressure on vaccine supply chains due to higher production and distribution costs minus the preservative.
This recommendation manifests Kennedy’s broader goal to eliminate disputed vaccine components.
This marks the beginning of what several experts see as a radical shift in vaccine policy in response to fervent public dissent and skepticism.
This is HUGE!
The vaccine advisory board just voted to not recommend thimerosal (mercury) flu vaccines anymore 🙌
For too long, pregnant women have been told to not eat fish because they contain mercury, but they have recommended the mercury filled flu vaccine.
Mercury is a… pic.twitter.com/ImKUmZDNaL
— Anna Matson (@AnnaRMatson) June 26, 2025
