In a significant move, the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., announced the removal of thimerosal from flu vaccines, fulfilling a long-standing commitment to protect vulnerable populations from mercury exposure and aiming to restore public trust in vaccines.

This decision follows Kennedy's earlier action on June 9, 2025, when he dismissed all members of the CDC vaccine expert panel to rebuild public confidence, though this move drew criticism from scientists concerned about public trust.

Kennedy emphasized that removing thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative introduced in the 1930s, aligns with efforts to improve vaccine safety, despite evidence indicating that low doses are generally safe and not linked to harm.

The new CDC vaccine advisory panel, convened on June 23, 2025, included debates over the relevance of thimerosal, with some experts questioning its necessity given that multidose flu vaccines containing it are rarely used in pediatric practices.

Dr. Cody Meissner, the only pediatrician on the panel, opposed the removal, citing concerns that favoring single-dose vials could limit vaccine access for some populations.

Despite scientific evidence supporting the safety of thimerosal in small amounts, opposition from anti-vaccine groups and presentations to the advisory panel influenced the decision to remove it.

Kennedy announced plans on April 16, 2025, to study environmental toxins' potential link to autism, though critics argue there is no scientific evidence supporting this connection.

On May 7, 2025, the U.S. launched the Autism Project, utilizing Medicare and Medicaid data to investigate possible links between vaccines and autism, aiming to explore potential causes.

The FDA announced on May 20, 2025, new restrictions on COVID-19 vaccine trials, limiting annual boosters to older adults and high-risk groups, and moving away from the traditional advisory process for vaccine strain recommendations.

On May 27, 2025, the U.S. government ceased recommending routine COVID vaccinations for healthy children and pregnant women, bypassing the CDC's usual advisory procedures.

The Trump administration canceled a contract with Moderna for a bird flu vaccine on May 28, 2025, citing failure to meet scientific standards.

Vaccine manufacturers have assured that they can replace multi-dose vials containing thimerosal to ensure an uninterrupted vaccine supply for the upcoming flu season.