The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has adopted a recommendation to remove thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative, from all influenza vaccines distributed in the United States. The decision was made by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who signed the recommendation formally.
Thimerosal was largely removed from most vaccines about 25 years ago due to an abundance of caution, not evidence of harm. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that only about 4% of flu vaccines given in the US last year contained thimerosal as a preservative.
The decision comes after the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted 5-1 to recommend single-dose flu vaccines be given to children, adults, and pregnant women in the US. The ACIP panel also recommended that everyone 6 months and older receive an annual flu vaccine. Dr. Cody Meissner, who voted against thimerosal removal, expressed concerns about limiting access to multidose formulations.
Despite the recommendations, vaccines with thimerosal are still approved by the FDA, and ACIP recommendations have significant implications for insurance coverage and state policies. The decision fulfills a long-overdue promise to protect vulnerable populations from unnecessary mercury exposure, according to HHS Secretary Kennedy Jr.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/07/23/health/thimerosal-flu-vaccines-hhs-recommendation