Former RFK Jr. Anti-Vaccine Group Leader to Speak at Inaugural Meeting of New CDC Vaccine Advisors

A former leader of the anti-vaccine group Children’s Health Defense will talk about thimerosal in flu vaccines at a meeting of the newly appointed vaccine advisers for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This information comes from a CDC official who couldn’t share their name.

Lyn Redwood, the presenter, is a nurse practitioner with a background in pediatrics and family medicine. She once served as president of the World Mercury Project before it transitioned into Children’s Health Defense, founded by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., now the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Thimerosal is a preservative that helps prevent microbial growth in vaccines. Although it was removed from most vaccines years ago due to mercury concerns, some multidose vials still contain it. Research has shown that thimerosal, which includes ethylmercury, does not cause neurodevelopmental issues like autism. Still, groups like Redwood’s argue otherwise.

The discussion about thimerosal at the meeting raises worries within the public health community. There’s concern that disproven links to autism might be brought up again, especially since all previous members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices were replaced with new members—some of whom have a history of opposing vaccines.

Dr. Sean O’Leary, a pediatrician, noted that most flu vaccines for children now come in single-dose vials or prefilled syringes, which do not contain thimerosal. Only about 4% of flu vaccines in the U.S. still include it. Many experts find it strange that thimerosal is on the agenda, questioning why it’s being revisited when it’s rarely used in practice.

Redwood’s upcoming presentation is unusual. Typically, speakers are experts who have spent considerable time researching a relevant topic. Furthermore, the discussion about thimerosal was added to the agenda shortly before the meeting.

Redwood has a history related to vaccines and concerns about thimerosal’s safety. In 1999, she claimed that her son received far more mercury than is considered safe from vaccines, which led to his autism diagnosis. This claim has been widely criticized as unsupported by scientific evidence.

Experts warn that Redwood’s biases could influence her presentation. Dorit Reiss, a law professor specializing in vaccine policy, highlighted concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

While the CDC maintains that low doses of thimerosal are safe, its use has dramatically declined since the late 1990s when the FDA requested vaccine manufacturers to eliminate it. Today, all recommended vaccines for children under six in the U.S. can be obtained without thimerosal.

Dr. O’Leary emphasized that thimerosal’s safety is well-established in global health contexts and criticized the ongoing myths that it poses risks.

The public reaction is mixed, with many parents and organizations concerned about vaccine safety, driving them to follow developments like these closely. Events and discussions about vaccines often spark debates on social media, showcasing a divide between those who trust vaccines and those who harbor fears about their effects.

The complexities of vaccine debates continue to evolve, making it crucial to rely on credible scientific evidence while navigating public opinion and concerns.



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