The mercury-based preservative thimerosal, which is used in vaccinations to stop bacterial or fungal development, is one of the most contentious vaccine ingredients. While some claim that thimerosal causes autism, others contend that it is both necessary and safe. We will go into the topic of thimerosal in vaccinations in this blog and examine its history, characteristics, dangers, and advantages. Whether you’re a parent, a medical professional, or just an interested reader, this blog will provide you useful information regarding the thimerosal debate and assist you in making well-informed vaccination choices.
What is Thimerosal?
A preservative made of mercury called thimerosal is often found in multi-dose vials of medications and vaccinations. When making and giving vaccines, it is added to stop bacterial and fungal growth. Ethylmercury, a component of thimerosal, is less hazardous to people than the methylmercury present in certain fish. Thimerosal is quickly excreted by humans and does not build up to dangerous quantities. It is possible for some people to have an uncommon allergy to thimerosal, which might result in mild side effects including swelling and redness at the injection site. The introduction of new vaccinations in single-dose vials and reformulation of existing vaccines have reduced the usage of thimerosal.[1][2]
Safety of Thimerosal in Vaccines
For many years, the preservative thimerosal, which is based on mercury, has been included in vaccinations and medications. The safety of thimerosal has been thoroughly investigated, and there is no proof that the little dosages used in vaccinations are harmful. When thimerosal enters the body, it is converted into ethylmercury and thiosalicylate, which are quickly excreted. Serious adverse effects are uncommon but mild responses like redness and edema at the injection site might happen. The safety of vaccinations containing thimerosal is supported by a substantial body of international scientific research.[3][4]
Elimination of Thimerosal in Childhood Vaccines
Public health organizations, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and vaccine producers reached an agreement in 1999 to decrease or remove thimerosal from vaccinations as a preventive measure. The use of thimerosal in vaccinations for US children has been banned since 2001. This adjustment was made for the protection of young children who get numerous doses of a vaccination. Low levels of thimerosal found in vaccines have not been linked to any adverse effects. [5][6]
Thimerosal in Influenza Vaccines
Thimerosal is a preservative made from ethyl mercury that is added to vaccinations in multi-dose vials. Thimerosal is used to preserve influenza vaccinations in multi-dose vials and inhibit the development of germs and fungi. However, thimerosal is not present in most flu vaccines sold in single-dose vials or pre-filled syringes. Studies have shown that low levels of thimerosal in vaccinations pose no health risks, and the drug has a long history of safety in this use. Thimerosal in Vaccines: Additional Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [7][8]
