Concerns Arise Over Thimerosal Study Cited in CDC Presentation

A forthcoming presentation to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) outside vaccine committee is generating controversy, particularly due to a reference to a non-existent study. The scientist cited as the author has come forward to dispute its validity.

The presentation, titled “Thimerosal as a Vaccine Preservative,” is scheduled for Thursday and is led by Lyn Redwood, previously associated with the activist group Children’s Health Defense.

In the report, a study titled “Low-level neonatal thimerosal exposure: Long-term consequences in the brain,” published in 2008 in the journal Neurotoxicology, is mentioned. This study is co-authored by Robert Berman, a professor emeritus at UC Davis.

However, Berman has stated, “It’s not making reference to a study I published or carried out.” He clarified that while he co-authored a work with a similar title in a different journal—Toxicological Sciences—it arrived at different conclusions from those suggested by Redwood.

“We did not examine the effects of thimerosal in microglia … I do not endorse this misrepresentation of the research,” Berman stated.

Reuters was among the first to identify the incorrect citation prior to Redwood’s presentation.

The upcoming meeting has come under scrutiny, especially after the US health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., recently dismissed all previous 17 members of the expert panel, appointing eight new members. Notably, half of these new members have publicly opposed vaccines.

Kennedy, known for his anti-vaccine stance, is the founder of Children’s Health Defense.

Both Republican Senator Bill Cassidy from Louisiana and Democratic Senator Patty Murray from Washington have urged for the meeting on June 25-26 to be postponed.

The presentation summary indicates an abundance of thimerosal-free flu vaccines, recommending that all pregnant women, infants, and children should receive only those. It’s uncertain if the new advisory panel will be expected to vote on this recommendation.

Redwood’s claims contrast sharply with evidence provided by the CDC in a separate report, which states that there’s no substantiated link between thimerosal-containing vaccines and conditions like autism or other neurodevelopmental issues.

Kennedy has persistently promoted a connection between vaccines and autism, despite scientific consensus to the contrary.

Redwood was unavailable for comment immediately. An HHS spokesperson noted that the study referenced was indeed the Toxicological Sciences study mentioned by Berman.

The CDC’s briefing materials evaluated various studies on neurodevelopmental outcomes associated with thimerosal-containing vaccines, a preservative historically utilized in multi-dose vials in the US to inhibit germ growth.

The CDC report indicated that during the 2024-25 flu season, 96% of flu vaccines in the US did not contain thimerosal. Additionally, it noted a decline in pregnant women receiving thimerosal-containing flu vaccines, with only 0.3% of doses in 2024 including the substance.

Kennedy published a book in 2014 alleging that thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative, causes brain damage.

On Monday, Cassidy, chair of the Senate committee on health, education, labor, and pensions, called for delaying the meeting, arguing that it should not proceed with such a small panel and in the absence of a CDC director.

Murray, a senior member and former chair of the committee, echoed the request for either reinstating the dismissed panel members or postponing the meeting until new members are thoroughly vetted.