Fact Check: "96% of flu shots in 2024-2025 will not contain thimerosal."
What We Know
Thimerosal is a mercury-based preservative that has been used in multi-dose vials of vaccines to prevent bacterial and fungal growth. In the United States, thimerosal was largely removed from childhood vaccines in 2001, although it remains in some multi-dose vials of flu vaccines. Recent data indicates that during the last influenza season, approximately 96% of flu vaccines administered were thimerosal-free (CDC). This trend appears to be continuing into the 2024-2025 flu season, as reports suggest that 96% of administered influenza vaccines will not contain thimerosal.
Analysis
The claim that "96% of flu shots in 2024-2025 will not contain thimerosal" is supported by multiple sources, including recent reports from the CDC and other health organizations. The CDC's vaccine panel has been actively recommending avoiding thimerosal in flu vaccines, which aligns with the reported statistics (CDC vaccine panel).
However, it's important to note that while the percentage of thimerosal-free vaccines is high, there are still some flu vaccines that do contain thimerosal, particularly in multi-dose vials. The CDC has stated that the benefits of flu vaccination outweigh any potential risks associated with thimerosal exposure (CDC Thimerosal page).
The sources cited are generally reliable, with the CDC being a primary authority on vaccine safety and public health. However, the framing of the statistic can lead to misunderstandings about the remaining availability of thimerosal-containing vaccines.
Conclusion
The claim that "96% of flu shots in 2024-2025 will not contain thimerosal" is Partially True. While it is accurate that a significant majority of flu vaccines will be thimerosal-free, it is essential to recognize that a small percentage will still contain thimerosal, particularly in multi-dose vials. Therefore, while the statistic is correct, it may give an incomplete picture of the overall availability of thimerosal-containing vaccines.
