Shocking Revelation in CDC Vaccine Report

A recent report by the CDC regarding thimerosal, a controversial vaccine preservative, has ignited a firestorm of criticism after it cited a study that doesn't exist. The claim was made by Robert Berman, a UC Davis professor emeritus, who found himself labeled as an author of this non-existent research.

Confusion Over Thimerosal Study

The report, titled *Thimerosal as a Vaccine Preservative*, was set to be presented by Lyn Redwood, a prominent anti-vaccine advocate and former leader of the group Children’s Health Defense. In it, Redwood references a study supposedly published in 2008, but Berman quickly debunked this assertion, clarifying he had co-authored a similarly titled study in a different journal that reached very different conclusions.

Political Turmoil Surrounds the Meeting

The upcoming presentation and its dubious claims are further complicated by political drama. U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a known anti-vaccine proponent, recently overhauled the advisory panel by dismissing 17 members and appointing eight new ones, half of whom share his anti-vaccine stance. This move has led to calls from both Republican Senator Bill Cassidy and Democratic Senator Patty Murray to postpone the June meeting.

Conflicting Evidence

Despite Redwood's claims, the CDC released a separate report asserting there is no supporting evidence connecting thimerosal-containing vaccines to autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders. This evidence contradicts Kennedy's long-standing assertions, further complicating the public narrative regarding vaccine safety.

Current Thimerosal Use in Vaccines

The CDC's findings also highlight a significant reduction in thimerosal-containing vaccines; during the 2024-2025 flu season, 96% of flu vaccines in the U.S. were thimerosal-free. The report revealed that only a tiny fraction of pregnant women received a thimerosal-containing flu vaccine, signaling a public shift in vaccine safety perceptions.

Demand for Accountability

Amid mounting concerns, Cassidy suggested that the meeting should be postponed until a proper panel is reinstated and a CDC director is appointed. Murray echoed these sentiments, pushing for either the reinstatement of the previous panel or extensive vetting of the new members.

The Ongoing Vaccine Debate

As the debate continues, public health advocates emphasize the importance of evidence-based science in vaccination discussions, especially in light of unfounded claims that can mislead the public. The controversy surrounding thimerosal serves as a reminder of the deep divisions in attitudes toward vaccine science.