HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has rescinded the use of thimerosal in U.S. vaccines, despite no evidence of harm from this safe, mercury-based ingredient. The decision follows a CDC committee recommendation and affects only a small percentage of the flu vaccine supply, predominantly single-dose options. This move raises concerns among health experts about increased vaccine hesitancy, particularly among vulnerable groups like the elderly, and promotes unfounded fears regarding vaccine safety. Anti-vaccination claims link thimerosal to autism, but numerous studies disproving this connection are ignored.
Banning vaccine ingredients without cause increases the perceived risk of vaccines, according to prominent health groups. Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. rescinded thimerosal's use despite no evidence of harm.
Thimerosal is a safe, mercury-based chemical present in a small percentage of influenza vaccines, but its removal may deter vaccine uptake among vulnerable populations.
The decision to remove thimerosal from vaccines may reinforce unfounded fears regarding vaccine ingredients and lead to increased hesitancy in the broader population.
Health experts warn that eliminating thimerosal could disproportionately affect elderly populations needing two-dose flu vaccine regimens, impacting overall vaccine rates negatively.
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