A critical federal vaccine panel, the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP), has recommended against using a specific preservative in seasonal influenza vaccines. The move is likely to send shockwaves through the global medical community and potentially impact future vaccine availability.
The ACIP was unilaterally remade by Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, who is a vocal skeptic of vaccines containing thimerosal, despite a lack of evidence of real-world harm. Five panel members voted in favor of restricting the preservative, while one abstention and one vote against were recorded.
Pediatrician Dr Cody Meissner, who was the lone “no” vote, expressed concerns that the risk from influenza is greater than any potential risk from thimerosal. The decision has sparked criticism from experts, including Dr Sean O’Leary of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases, who warned that the science on thimerosal is settled and the rhetoric being used to suggest otherwise is misleading.
Thimerosal is a commonly used preservative in vaccines, particularly in multidose vials. While multiple studies have found no association between thimerosal and neurological effects, its use has been the subject of controversy for decades. The panel’s decision may impact flu vaccine availability, particularly for clinics that rely on thimerosal-containing formulations.
Experts warn that removing thimerosal from vaccines used globally could reduce access to these vaccines, increase costs, and have unintended consequences. The issue highlights the importance of evidence-based decision-making in vaccine policy, rather than emotional appeals or misinformation.
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Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/26/rfk-flu-shot-vaccines-panel