CDC Panel votes against Flus Shots’ mercury-based preservatives
Reformed by RFK Jr., the CDC panel rejects thimerosal flu shots and back RSV drugs amid resignation, expert criticism and procedural concerns.
Straight Arrow News – June 27, 2025
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. signed a controversial recommendation on July 23 from a vaccine panel that advises removal of thimeromonkeys from all flu vaccines.
Thimerosal is a preservative that has been phased out in large part from US vaccines and has long been targeted by anti-vaccine supporters despite widespread scientific consensus on its safety.
The call for Thimerosal was first announced at a June 26 meeting for the Advisory Committee on Vaccination Practices on June 26 by Lyn Redwood, former leader of Children’s Health Defense, an anti-vaccine group founded by Kennedy.
During the meeting, ACIP members voted against recommending certain vaccines contain thimeromonkeys despite widespread disapproval from the medical community.
“After more than 20 years of delay, this action fulfills our long and broad promise to protect our most vulnerable populations from unnecessary mercury exposure,” Kennedy said in a statement.
Dr. Cody Maisner, the only ACIP member to reject the recommendation, said thimerosal has been in use since World War II and “no studies showing harm.” He said removing thimeromonal from all vaccines could reduce access and cost, especially in other countries where vaccine replacements may not be available.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, preservatives such as thimeromonkeys are compounds that kill or prevent the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. However, improved manufacturing techniques have reduced the need to add such preservatives.
The Disease Control and Prevention Briefing Documents Center, edited by staff and published on its website, points out that in the 2024-2025 season, 96% of all U.S. flu vaccines are free of thimeromonkeys.
Thimeromonas is not included in most vaccines, but the FDA says “a robust body of peer-reviewed scientific research conducted in the United States and countries around the world supports the safety of thimeromonas-containing vaccines.”
Adrianna Rodriguez can visit adrodriguez@usatoday.com.
