Fact Check: CDC's thimerosal safety document removed before the ACIP meeting.

Fact Check: "CDC's thimerosal safety document removed before the ACIP meeting."

What We Know

The claim suggests that a safety document regarding thimerosal was removed from the CDC's website prior to a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The ACIP held a meeting on June 25-26, 2025, where they discussed various vaccine-related topics, including thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative used in some vaccines (CDC).

During this meeting, the ACIP voted to recommend that seasonal influenza vaccines be provided in single-dose formulations that are free of thimerosal for children, pregnant women, and adults (CDC). Additionally, a presentation regarding thimerosal was made by L. Redwood, RN, MSN, as part of the meeting materials (CDC).

However, reports indicate that a document detailing the safety of thimerosal was initially available but was later removed from the CDC's website. This document reportedly provided a comprehensive review of research on thimerosal, concluding that there is no evidence supporting an association between thimerosal and harm (New York Times).

Analysis

The assertion that the thimerosal safety document was removed raises questions about transparency and the CDC's communication practices. While it is confirmed that the document was available before the meeting and was later taken down, the reasons for its removal are not entirely clear. Some sources suggest that the removal was due to the document being undercut by statements made during the ACIP meeting (NPR).

The credibility of the sources discussing this claim varies. The CDC is a reputable public health organization, and their documentation typically undergoes rigorous review. However, the removal of the document has led to speculation and concern among some stakeholders about the motives behind the decision (CNN).

Moreover, the discussion around thimerosal is often contentious, with various groups holding differing views on its safety. The American Academy of Pediatrics and vaccine manufacturers have previously advocated for the removal of thimerosal-containing vaccines (CDC). In contrast, some experts argue that no studies have shown harm from thimerosal (CIDRAP).

Conclusion

The claim that the CDC's thimerosal safety document was removed before the ACIP meeting is partially substantiated by the evidence available. While it is confirmed that the document was initially posted and later removed, the reasons for its removal are not fully understood and may involve complex interactions between public health messaging and ongoing debates about vaccine safety. Given the mixed evidence and the potential for misinterpretation, this claim "Needs Research" to clarify the circumstances surrounding the document's removal and the implications for public health communication.

Fact Check: CDC's thimerosal safety document removed before the ACIP meeting.