Kennedy's Vaccine Committee Endorses Preservative-Free Flu Shots for Fall

In a significant move ahead of the upcoming flu season, Kennedy's vaccine advisory panel has recommended using only preservative-free flu vaccines for everyone aged 6 months and older. This decision comes amid heightened scrutiny of certain vaccine ingredients and reflects ongoing concerns about mercury-based preservatives like thimerosal.

The advisory committee, composed of medical experts including some vaccine skeptics, deliberated on the safety of thimerosal—an ingredient historically used in multi-dose flu vaccines to prevent contamination. Despite an extensive body of research showing no link between thimerosal and autism or other health issues, the ingredient remains controversial among parts of the public.

The panel voted 5-1, with one abstention, to recommend that all individuals receive flu vaccines that are single-dose and free of preservatives like thimerosal. This choice aims to maximize safety perceptions and address ongoing fears linked to mercury exposure, even though scientific evidence indicates no harm.

The decision follows recent political upheaval in vaccine policy. The Trump administration's replacement of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices with a new panel, which includes vaccine skeptics, sparked criticism from public health advocates. Critics worry that this shift could influence vaccine recommendations, potentially affecting public health and vaccine accessibility.

While the CDC and other health authorities have long supported the safety of thimerosal in vaccines, the new recommendation underscores a cautious approach. Dr. Joseph Hibbeln, a psychiatrist and former NIH researcher, acknowledged the lack of evidence implicating thimerosal in harm but emphasized respecting public fears about mercury.

This development has raised concerns among public health experts who fear it might lead to increased vaccine costs and reduced access, especially if the new policies restrict vaccine formulation options. Advocates stress the importance of science-based guidelines to ensure broad immunity without fueling unwarranted vaccine hesitancy.

The CDC's Advisory Committee plays a critical role in shaping immunization policies that influence vaccine coverage, insurance policies, and access. As debates continue, public health officials reiterate that vaccines are rigorously tested and safe, urging the public to follow scientifically proven recommendations to protect against influenza.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-kennedy-vaccine-committee-endorses-free.html