Fact Check: CDC panel votes to drop thimerosal from flu vaccine recommendations.

Fact Check: CDC Panel Votes to Drop Thimerosal from Flu Vaccine Recommendations

What We Know

On June 26, 2025, the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) held a meeting where they voted on several vaccine recommendations. Among these, the committee voted five to one to recommend that children aged 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 (CDC). This decision reflects a continued emphasis on minimizing thimerosal exposure, particularly in vulnerable populations.

Thimerosal is a mercury-containing compound that has been used as a preservative in some vaccines. Although it has been largely removed from childhood vaccines in the U.S. since 2001, it remains in some flu vaccines, particularly multi-dose vials (CDC). The committee's recent vote does not eliminate thimerosal from all flu vaccines but rather recommends that specific populations receive thimerosal-free formulations.

Analysis

The claim that the CDC panel voted to drop thimerosal from flu vaccine recommendations is partially true. The ACIP did vote to recommend that certain groups—children, pregnant women, and adults—should receive flu vaccines that do not contain thimerosal. However, this does not mean that thimerosal has been completely removed from all flu vaccine recommendations or that it is no longer used in all formulations.

The sources reporting on this decision vary in their emphasis. For instance, a report from CIDRAP highlights that the ACIP's recommendations are aimed at specific populations, indicating a nuanced approach rather than a blanket removal of thimerosal from all vaccines (CIDRAP). Additionally, a Reuters article confirms the committee's vote and emphasizes the focus on thimerosal-free vaccines for the specified groups (Reuters).

Moreover, while the CDC's official statement reflects a commitment to evidence-based recommendations, it is important to note that the ongoing debate about thimerosal and vaccine safety continues to evoke strong opinions and concerns among some groups (NPR). This context is crucial for understanding the implications of the ACIP's recommendations.

Conclusion

The verdict on the claim that the CDC panel voted to drop thimerosal from flu vaccine recommendations is Partially True. The ACIP did recommend that specific populations receive thimerosal-free flu vaccines, which indicates a shift in recommendations for those groups. However, it does not constitute a complete removal of thimerosal from all flu vaccine recommendations, as thimerosal may still be present in some formulations. Thus, while the claim captures a significant aspect of the ACIP's decision, it oversimplifies the broader context of vaccine recommendations.

Fact Check: CDC panel votes to drop thimerosal from flu vaccine recommendations.