(Washington) The American Department of Health announced on Wednesday that it would stop using a substance contained in vaccines for a long time denounced by antivaccins, for which it would cause autism, accusations refuted by scientists.
Thimérosal, a mercury -based curator that prevents bacterial and fungal proliferation, has been widely studied, many authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO), finding no evidence of harmfulness.
This decision follows the vote of a panel of experts convened last month by the American secretary for health, Robert Kennedy Jr, who approved the end of the use of Thimérosal in flu vaccines for adults, pregnant women and children.
Photo Ken Cedeno, Reuters archives
The American secretary for health, Robert Kennedy Jr
A large number of scientific studies in the United States and other countries guarantee the safety of the Thimérosal vaccines, but American manufacturers have voluntarily withdrawn from most pediatric vaccines in 2001 as a precaution.
“With more than two decades late, we have a long -standing promise to protect our most vulnerable populations from unnecessary exposure to mercury,” said RFK Jr.
Inject any quantity of mercury into children while safe and mercury alternatives exist defies common sense and public health responsibility. Today we pass security first.
Robert Kennedy Jr, American secretary for health
Although this substance is now rarely used in vaccines in the United States, the recommendations of the panel had alarmed scientists, believing that arguments defended by the antivaccination movement are now rooted in national vaccination policy.
“There is no evidence of prejudice linked to the use of Thimérosal,” said Kate O’Brien, the OMS vaccines in June, after the American panel had made its recommendations.
For part of the vaccine supply, it is a very important ingredient to ensure that we have the necessary doses to protect children from serious and potentially fatal diseases.
Kate O’Brien, head of vaccines for WHO
Robert Kennedy Jr is known for his vaccinosceptic positions. In recent years, there have been the relay of numerous conspiracy theories on COVVI-19 vaccines as on alleged ties between vaccination and autism.
Since his arrival at the head of the Health Department in February, he has started a deep overhaul of the health authorities.
