A preservative called thimerosal has been in the spotlight after a meeting of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to recommend removing it from all vaccines recommended for children under 18 and pregnant women. Thimerosal, a mercury-based ingredient, was introduced in multi-dose vaccines and medications in the 1930s to prevent contamination.
Despite claims that thimerosal is safe, concerns over potential mercury exposure led to its removal from most childhood vaccines in 2001. However, it remains in some multi-use vial vaccines outside of the US. The American Academy of Pediatrics, Public Health Service agencies, and vaccine manufacturers agree that thimerosal should be reduced or eliminated in vaccines.
The CDC’s decision aims to provide single-dose formulations without thimerosal for adults and children under 18, but there is no evidence to support the removal of thimerosal from all vaccines. The agency claims that data from studies show no harm caused by low doses of thimerosal in vaccines.
Centivax CEO Dr. Jacob Glanville supports efforts to remove thimerosal entirely, citing alternative preservatives that are not based on mercury. His company’s vaccines do not contain mercury or other toxic materials.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/health/cdc-committee-moves-phase-out-controversial-mercury-ingredient-from-flu-vaccines