Summary
The Trump administration's vaccine experts are discussing whether to stop using a preservative called thimerosal in some vaccines. Thimerosal has been used safely in vaccines for decades, with studies showing no harm from it. However, some people are worried about its mercury content, even though the type of mercury in thimerosal is different from harmful seafood mercury.
Key Facts
- Thimerosal is a preservative used in some vaccines and medical products since the 1930s.
- This preservative prevents bacterial contamination in multi-dose vaccine vials.
- Thimerosal contains a mercury type called ethylmercury, which the body can remove, unlike the harmful mercury found in some seafood.
- Most vaccines for children have been made without thimerosal since 2001.
- About 96% of flu vaccines given in the U.S. last flu season did not have thimerosal.
- U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who questions vaccine safety, is raising the issue again.
- A CDC analysis continues to show no link between thimerosal and health problems like autism.
