The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted 5-1 to recommend banning thimerosal—a preservative used in a small share of flu vaccines—despite CDC studies showing no evidence of harm. Critics argue that the move caters to vaccine skeptics, although committee members claim the goal is to restore public trust in vaccines.
Thimerosal was removed from all childhood vaccines in the United States in 2001. Today, only about 4% of flu vaccines, primarily in multi-dose vials, contain the preservative.
The panel, now chaired by Martin Kulldorff—an ex-Harvard professor who refused the COVID-19 vaccine—was recently overhauled by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr, raising concerns over scientific integrity. Lyn Redwood, a long-time vaccine critic, presented a discredited report linking thimerosal to autism before the vote.
Experts warn the decision may have negative public health impacts, especially in underserved rural communities where multi-dose vaccines are more common. Emory University’s Jodie Guest criticized the vote as revisiting “settled science” and potentially fueling vaccine hesitancy.
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