Anti-vaccine campaigns have targeted thimerosal for decades despite no evidence of ingredient causing harm
Robert F Kennedy Jr, the US health secretary, will formally require vaccine makers to remove thimerosal from vaccines.
The ingredient has been the target of anti-vaccine campaigns and misinformation for decades. Arguments against the preservative culminated in June, when a key federal vaccine advisory panel, remade with Kennedy’s ideological allies, recommended against the preservative.
The recommendation goes into force upon Kennedy’s signature.
There is no evidence thimerosal has caused harm, despite decades of use. The ethylmercury-based preservative was used in only about 5% adult influenza vaccines in the US, helping prevent contamination in multi-dose vials.
