The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released a report stating that there is no evidence linking thimerosal-containing vaccines to autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders. The report was posted on the agency’s website ahead of an advisory panel meeting scheduled for June 25-26.
The CDC review includes studies on neurodevelopmental outcomes and vaccines containing thimerosal, which has been used as a preservative in multi-dose vials of medicines and vaccines to prevent germ growth. According to the report, 96% of all influenza vaccines in the US were thimerosal-free during the 2024-25 flu season.
The advisory panel is meeting after its previous members were fired by health secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. and replaced with new members who have previously advocated against vaccines. The meeting will discuss two new issues: thimerosal in flu shots and a safety review of the measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella shot.
Lyn Redwood, a former leader of the anti-vaccine group Children’s Health Defense, is set to present on flu vaccines containing thimerosal. Her presentation argues that there are enough thimerosal-free flu vaccines available and that all pregnant women, infants, and children should receive only those shots.
The CDC report provides evidence that contradicts Robert Kennedy Jr.’s claims about thimerosal causing brain damage. The number of pregnant women receiving a thimerosal-containing flu vaccine has decreased over time, with only 0.3% of doses given in 2024 containing thimerosal.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/us-cdc-report-shows-no-evidence-linking-thimerosal-containing-vaccines-autism-2025-06-24