Health Secretary RFK Jr. overrules scientists, bans Thimerosal vaccine preservative tied to autism claims
In June, the movement follows a new reconstructed advice by a newly restructured vaccine advisory panel, controversial with the ideological allies, including the vocal figures of Kennedy’s anti -vaccine movement.
Kennedy said in a statement, “After more than twenty years of delay, this action makes a lot of promise to protect our most vulnerable population from unnecessary mercury exposure,” he said.
What is Thimerosol?
Mercury -based preservative is the most common thimerosal, a compound used to prevent bacterial and fungal contamination in some vaccines and drugs, especially in multi -dose bottles. Unlike more toxic Metilmercury found in some seafood, Thimerosal contains Etimilmercury, a kind of mercury that is quickly processed and thrown from the body.
It has been used safely since the 1930s, but due to public concerns, despite comprehensive scientific studies that do not evidence of damage, it has been greatly removed from childhood vaccines in the United States until 2001.
Today, only a small number of adults remain in the flu vaccine and is considered safe by large health institutions worldwide.
Thimerosal, which has been used since the 1930s, has previously found some very dose influenza vaccinations and made up about 4-5 percent of the US influenza vaccine supply. Despite more than 40 studies confirming its security, it has been the target of anti -vaccine campaigns for a long time.
Protector should not be confused with more toxic metmilmercury found in seafood, based on Ethyilmercury, preventing bacterial contamination in vaccines stored in multi -dose bottles.
Public health experts sharply criticized the movement that they could reduce their access to vaccination and strengthen the disrespectful fears that connect Timerosal to autism and developmental disorders. These allegations, which were repeatedly refuted, were the center of Kennedy’s 2015 book and years of activism through the health defense of children.
Restoring the Advisory Panel
Kennedy’s action jumped the usual surveillance mechanisms. After firing the 17 members of the CDC vaccination applications Advisory Committee (Acıp), Kennedy replaced them with eight elections withdrawn after the conflict of interest. Following a presentation of Lyn Redwood, the new reconstructed panel, an anti-peel figure and the former leader of the World Mercury Project, 5-1 voted in favor of removing Thimerosal.
Vaccine manufacturers Sanofi and CSL Seqirus confirmed that they can meet their supply requests with single doses, non -protective alternatives. HHS officials, vaccinations for children will not be interrupted, he said.
The wider effects of Kennedy’s disposal of federal vaccine policy remains uncertain. HHS says that additional suggestions are still examined from the June panel meeting.
