The recent decision by The Vaccine Committee, spearheaded by the Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., to eliminate thimerosal from all flu vaccines has raised eyebrows. This decision, made on July 23rd, comes after a recommendation given by a panel from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on June 26. This movement symbolizes a significant deviation from previous policies, given that thimerosal, an effective preservative, has been progressively reduced in vaccinations across the U.S. over the years.
Over the years, thimerosal has been the subject of intense debates, owing to its mercury content, and its perceived association with autism – a connection that extensive research over decades has debunked. It is critical to understand the nature and role of thimerosal in vaccines, be aware of any possible linkage to allergies, side-effects or autism, and comprehend its implications on human neuropsychological functioning.
Thimerosal, a compound largely composed of mercury, has served as a reliable preservative in vaccines since the 1930s. These days, in the U.S., only trace quantities of this additive are used in flu vaccines shipped in multi-dose vials, primarily to prevent bacterial and fungal growth. Advancements in production techniques have reduced the necessity of such preservatives.
While it’s a fact that thimerosal contains mercury, constituting about half its weight, its concentration in flu vaccines is minuscule, about 0.01%, or one part per ten thousand. Unlike the methylmercury found in seafood, thimerosal contains ethylmercury, which, while toxic in high concentrations, is often found in harmless quantities. Ethylmercury and methylmercury represent the principal media of human exposure to mercury, an element found naturally in our environment.
With strict federal guidelines in place, exposure to ethylmercury through environmental sources and food is kept minimal. However, every individual invariably comes into contact with minute amounts of the compound in their lifetime, due to its natural occurrence on Earth. Notably, ethylmercury, present in thimerosal, is processed out of the body quicker than methylmercury (found in fish) and hence, is considered benign.
Kennedy applauded the complete removal of thimerosal from vaccines on July 23, recognizing it as a long-awaited step in protecting the public from unnecessary exposure to mercury.
A common query is about the presence of thimerosal in a given vaccine. The CDC, in its report for the fall and winter season of 2024-2025, noted that about 96% of flu vaccines in the U.S. were devoid of thimerosal. Although the chances of finding thimerosal in your vaccine are slim, the CDC advises confirmation from your healthcare provider or pharmacist, or by reviewing the ingredients listed on the vaccine packaging.
As far as side effects are concerned, the CDC has affirmed that most individuals do not experience any negative effects from thimerosal. Some minor reactions such as redness or swelling at the injection site might occur, but they are not widespread.
The likelihood of experiencing an allergic reaction to thimerosal is extremely low, according to the CDC, suggesting that concerns over allergies related to thimerosal are largely unfounded.
Thimerosal was removed from childhood vaccines back in 2001, precipitating the extensive reduction in its use. Updates in formulations and the development of single-dose vaccine vials have contributed to this substantial reduction. Key vaccines like MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), chickenpox vaccine, inactivated polio and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) never contained thimerosal.
PCVs, including types such as Prevnar, help safeguard against bacteria that can cause life-threatening conditions like pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis. Importantly, both versions of flu shots – with and without thimerosal – remain available, although the latter are mostly confined to multi-vials.
Another matter of frequent public concern is the perceived link between thimerosal and autism. However, comprehensive scientific investigations have been unable to establish any connection between vaccines and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental disorder.
Furthermore, numerous studies have proven that even minor doses of thimerosal in vaccines cause no harm, reaffirming the absence of any association between vaccines, autism or delays in neuropsychological development.
Yet more research has refuted any link between thimerosal and severe neurodevelopmental disorders, once again substantiating the safety of thimerosal in vaccines.
The post Thimerosal Eliminated from All Flu Vaccines: A Bold Move appeared first on Real News Now.
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