Robert F. Kennedy Jr has just signed off on a sweeping new rule that will officially ban thimerosal from all vaccines in the United States.
The preservative, long targeted by anti-vaccine groups, was only present in a small percentage of adult flu vaccines, but it’s now being removed entirely. And the move is already drawing intense scrutiny.
Thimerosal, an ethylmercury-based preservative used in multi-dose vials to prevent contamination, has never been scientifically proven to cause harm. In fact, it’s been safely used since before World War II, and the tiny dose found in flu shots, about 25 micrograms, is still less than what you’d get from eating a can of tuna. But none of that has stopped it from becoming a lightning rod for conspiracy theories and misinformation.
Still, Kennedy, now serving as U.S. Health Secretary, pushed forward with the move. “Injecting any amount of mercury into children when safe, mercury-free alternatives exist defies common sense,” he said. “Today, we put safety first.”
The new policy stems from a June vote by a restructured CDC vaccine advisory panel. Kennedy fired all 17 existing members and replaced them with his hand-picked allies, many with ties to anti-vaccine activism. One panelist had to step down after a conflict-of-interest review, but the remaining members voted 5-1 to recommend the removal of thimerosal. One member abstained.
The vote followed a controversial presentation by Lyn Redwood, a former leader of the World Mercury Project, the predecessor to Kennedy’s own group, Children’s Health Defense. Redwood’s talk originally included a link to a non-existent study, and CDC scientists who had planned to present data on thimerosal’s safety were reportedly blocked by Kennedy’s office.
Because there’s no Senate-confirmed CDC director right now, Kennedy himself acts as the de facto head of the agency. That allowed him to bypass typical review processes and fast-track the recommendation into official policy.
Though thimerosal had already been phased out of most childhood vaccines back in 1999 as a precaution, some experts argue that its full removal now sends the wrong message. They say the science never supported the fears around it, and that this decision could further empower anti-vaccine rhetoric.
But Kennedy isn’t stopping there. “With the U.S. now removing mercury from all vaccines, we urge global health authorities to follow this prudent example for the protection of children worldwide,” he said.
The move could also create big ripple effects for vaccine manufacturers globally, who may face pressure to follow suit, even in regions where thimerosal is still used and deemed necessary.
As the U.S. enters a tense political and scientific era, Kennedy’s latest decision highlights a bigger shift in federal public health leadership. With his allies reshaping core institutions like the CDC, the question isn’t just about thimerosal anymore, it’s about who controls the science.
The timing is also critical. A predicted 2.5% Cost of Living Adjustment could increase Social Security payments next year, and the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” is raising standard deductions for seniors. Meanwhile, guaranteed income programs like Breathe in Los Angeles are ending, cutting $1,000 monthly payments for many low-income Americans. The bigger picture shows a nation in transition, economically, medically, and ideologically.
With Kennedy’s signature, thimerosal is officially out of American vaccines. Whether that’s a win for public health or a PR boost for anti-vax narratives, only time, and science, will tell.
Leo Cruz brings sharp insights into the world of politics, offering balanced reporting and analysis on the latest policies, elections, and global political events. With years of experience covering campaigns and interviewing world leaders, Leo ensures readers are always informed and engaged.
