On November 3, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. released a video calling for the removal of mercury from all vaccines worldwide. The video received over 2,700 responses in 24 hours, with many users expressing support and repeating false claims that thimerosal—a mercury-based preservative used in some vaccines—is dangerous and causes autism and dementia. While several prominent anti-vaccine accounts amplified messages about allegedly “toxic” ingredients, others responded by sharing evidence that vaccine ingredients are safe.
Recommendation
Recent statements from public officials may lead to renewed concern about the safety of vaccine ingredients, including thimerosal. Health communicators may note that decades of research have shown thimerosal to be safe and that vaccines containing the ingredient are used safely worldwide. Debunking messaging may emphasize that thimerosal prevents contamination in multi-dose vaccines and contains a form of mercury that is not harmful in small doses. Finally, messaging may explain that while no vaccines in the U.S. contain thimerosal, the small amount used in some vaccines elsewhere is comparable to the amount of mercury found in a can of tuna.
Fact-checking sources: AAP, PBS News, Public Good News
Communication resources: Timely messages on thimerosal, aluminium, and other vaccine ingredients
