Is thimerosal safe when used as a preservative in vaccines?
Yes. We are aware of the concerns that some people have regarding thimerosal in vaccines. However, the vast majority of research conducted in the U.S. and around the world does not support an association between thimerosal in vaccines and autism. The Institute of Medicine and the World Health Organization, among other authoritative medical and scientific bodies, have affirmed that the scientific evidence shows no association between vaccines (with or without thimerosal) and autism. Regardless, since 2001, no new vaccine licensed by FDA for use in children has contained thimerosal as a preservative. All vaccines routinely recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for children under six years of age are thimerosal-free, or contain only trace amounts, except for some formulations of flu vaccine. All formulations in multi-dose vials contain some thimerosal.
