Fact Check: "Only one out of seven panel members opposed thimerosal restriction vote."
What We Know
The claim that "only one out of seven panel members opposed thimerosal restriction vote" refers to a recent meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) where thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative, was discussed. During this meeting, the newly appointed panel, which was reduced from the typical 17 members to just 7, voted on recommendations regarding the use of thimerosal in flu vaccines. The vote resulted in a 6-1 decision to recommend that children, pregnant women, and all adults receive single-dose flu immunizations that do not contain thimerosal (NPR, New York Times).
Dr. Cody Meissner was the only member who voted against the recommendations, stating that there is no scientific evidence linking thimerosal to any health problems, particularly autism (NPR, ABC News). This context confirms that the claim is accurate, as it highlights the overwhelming majority in favor of the restriction and identifies the lone dissenting vote.
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim is robust, as it is corroborated by multiple reputable sources. The NPR article details the voting results and the context of the meeting, emphasizing that the panel was significantly altered under the leadership of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. This change in panel composition has raised concerns about the influence of anti-vaccine sentiments on public health recommendations (NPR).
The New York Times also reports on the same voting outcome, reiterating that Dr. Meissner was the only dissenting voice among the seven members present. This source is credible, as it is a well-established news organization known for its rigorous journalistic standards (New York Times).
In contrast, the concerns raised by Dr. Meissner and others about the potential implications of the vote reflect a broader debate within the medical community regarding vaccine safety and the influence of non-scientific perspectives on public health policy. The presence of members with a history of opposing vaccines on the panel raises questions about the integrity of the decision-making process (ABC News, The Hill).
Conclusion
The claim that "only one out of seven panel members opposed thimerosal restriction vote" is True. The evidence from multiple reputable sources confirms that during the recent ACIP meeting, Dr. Cody Meissner was indeed the only member to vote against the recommendation to restrict thimerosal in flu vaccines, while the remaining six members supported the measure. This reflects a significant shift in vaccine policy under the current leadership of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which has been met with criticism from various public health experts.
Sources
- RFK Jr.'s vaccine advisers raise disproven fears about the preservative ... (https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/06/26/nx-s1-5438485/cdc-acip-rfk-thimerosal-vaccines)
- A C.D.C. Committee Is Debating the Use of Thimerosal in Vaccines. Is It ... (https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/26/well/thimerosal-vaccines-risks.html)
- Why is thimerosal back on the CDC's agenda when it's barely in flu ... (https://abcnews.go.com/Health/thimerosal-back-cdcs-agenda-barely-flu-shots-anymore/story?id=123167221)
- Vaccine panel backs RFK Jr. in opposing thimerosal, a flu shot preservative (https://thehill.com/homenews/5371340-acip-votes-against-thimerosal-flu-vaccines/)
