WHO Says Vaccines Containing Thimerosal Are Safe

Reuters (6/27, Santhosh, Le Poidevin) reported a World Health Organization official confirmed Friday that thimerosal, “a mercury-preservative used in some vaccines, was not harmful,” after the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel “voted to recommend Americans receive seasonal influenza shots that are free from it.” Dr. Katherine O’Brien told reporters, “Thimerosal has been reviewed multiple times by multiple agencies, including WHO, and it’s clear from the evidence that there is no evidence of harm from the use of thimerosal.”