A presentation by a longtime anti-vaccine activist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s vaccine advisory committee meeting has sparked controversy over thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative used in some flu shots. The ACIP voted 5-1 to recommend single-dose thimerosal-free flu vaccines for children, adults, and pregnant women.
The presentation by nurse practitioner Lyn Redwood of Children’s Health Defense, an anti-vaccine group founded by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., focused on the potential health risks of thimerosal. However, experts have widely debunked any link between thimerosal and autism or brain inflammation.
In contrast, studies found no association between prenatal exposure to thimerosal-containing vaccinations and autism spectrum disorder in children. The ACIP background briefing document, which was taken down without explanation, supported this finding.
The decision not to recommend multi-dose thimerosal-containing flu vaccines has raised concerns about vaccine access and the potential impact on public health. Infectious disease experts warn that limiting these vaccines could reduce vaccine access for workers and other groups.
Dr. Sean O’Leary of the American Academy of Pediatrics described Redwood’s presentation as “unprecedented” and “junk science.” The AAP chose not to participate in the meeting due to what they called a focus on non-science perspectives.
Despite some opposition, the committee reaffirmed its existing recommendation for annual flu shots for people 6 months and older.
Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/anti-vaccine-activist-presents-data-rfk-jrs-reshaped-cdc-advisory-pane-rcna215201