Fact Check: CDC Panel Votes to Drop Thimerosal from Flu Vaccine Recommendations!
What We Know
The claim that the CDC panel voted to drop thimerosal from flu vaccine recommendations is partially accurate. On June 26, 2025, the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) did vote to recommend that children 18 years and younger, pregnant women, and all adults receive seasonal influenza vaccines only in single-dose formulations that are free of thimerosal as a preservative. This decision was made with a vote of five to one for each group, indicating a strong preference for thimerosal-free formulations (CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Concludes...).
However, it is important to note that this recommendation does not equate to a complete removal of thimerosal from all flu vaccines. The CDC continues to support the use of thimerosal in multi-dose vials of flu vaccines, which are still available and used in certain situations, particularly in areas with limited access to vaccines (Vaccines & Immunizations).
Analysis
The recommendation to favor thimerosal-free vaccines reflects ongoing concerns about vaccine safety and public perception, particularly regarding thimerosal's potential link to autism, a claim that has been widely discredited by scientific research (CDC). The ACIP's decision appears to be a precautionary measure aimed at maintaining public trust in vaccination programs, especially among vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women.
The sources used in this analysis are credible, as they come directly from the CDC, which is a leading public health organization in the United States. The CDC's guidelines and recommendations are based on extensive research and expert consensus. However, it is crucial to recognize that while the ACIP's vote reflects a shift towards thimerosal-free vaccines for certain populations, it does not signify a total abandonment of thimerosal in all flu vaccines, which remains a point of contention in public health discussions (About CDC, CDC COVID Data Tracker).
Conclusion
The claim that the CDC panel voted to drop thimerosal from flu vaccine recommendations is Partially True. While the ACIP did recommend that specific groups receive thimerosal-free vaccines, thimerosal is not entirely removed from all flu vaccine formulations. The recommendation reflects a cautious approach to vaccine safety and public confidence rather than a complete policy change regarding thimerosal.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | CDC
- CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Concludes...
- About CDC | About CDC | CDC
- Vaccines & Immunizations | Vaccines & Immunizations | CDC
- Health Topics - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- CDC COVID Data Tracker: Home
- Data | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Data.CDC.gov
- CDC vaccine panel recommends avoiding thimerosal in flu...
