HHS Removes Mercury-Based Preservative from All U.S. Flu Vaccines

by Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Staff

(Worthy News) – In a landmark decision hailed by health advocates and parents alike, the U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., signed a formal policy Tuesday adopting new CDC recommendations to remove the mercury-based preservative thimerosal from all influenza vaccines distributed in the United States.

The move comes after the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted 5-1-1 during its June 25-26 meeting to recommend that all flu shots–whether for children, pregnant women, or adults–be mercury-free. Secretary Kennedy’s signature makes that recommendation official federal health policy.

“After more than two decades of delay, this action fulfills a long-overdue promise to protect our most vulnerable populations from unnecessary mercury exposure,” Kennedy said in a statement. “Injecting any amount of mercury into children when safe, mercury-free alternatives exist defies common sense and public health responsibility. Today, we put safety first.”

The U.S. Public Health Service and the American Academy of Pediatrics first called for the removal of mercury from childhood vaccines in 1999, citing even potential risk as reason enough to act. Despite years of public concern and international examples–Europe phased out thimerosal years ago–multi-dose influenza vaccines containing the preservative remained common in the U.S., especially in programs serving low-income populations.

Secretary Kennedy’s newly appointed ACIP members broke with past precedent, voting to complete the removal process and align U.S. vaccine standards with international norms. Vaccine manufacturers have confirmed their readiness to supply sufficient mercury-free, single-dose vials to both the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program and adult vaccine channels, ensuring access will not be disrupted.

The ACIP, comprising leading experts in public health and immunology, guides the CDC on vaccine-related safety and efficacy. Tuesday’s announcement marks a significant step toward Kennedy’s broader effort to restore public trust in vaccines by emphasizing transparency and safety.

“With the U.S. now removing mercury from all vaccines, we urge global health authorities to follow this prudent example for the protection of children worldwide,” Kennedy said.

While Kennedy has approved all ACIP recommendations from the April meeting, additional guidance from the committee’s June session remains under review.

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