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[Mercury in vaccines].

Luc Hessel1

  • 1Aventis Pasteur MSD. 8, rue Jones Salk-69367 Lyon.

Bulletin De L'Academie Nationale De Medecine
|May 19, 2004
PubMed
Summary

Thiomersal, a mercury-based preservative in some vaccines, has not been linked to autism despite public concerns. Its use is still recommended by WHO in developing countries due to cost-effectiveness.

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Area of Science:

  • Vaccinology and Toxicology
  • Immunology
  • Public Health

Context:

  • Thiomersal (thimerosal) is an ethyl mercury derivative used as a vaccine preservative.
  • Concerns exist regarding mercury exposure from vaccines, particularly in infants.
  • Regulatory bodies and scientific studies have evaluated the safety of thiomersal.

Purpose:

  • To review the scientific evidence on thiomersal's safety and its association with hypersensitivity and neurological disorders.
  • To discuss the regulatory changes and public perception regarding thiomersal in vaccines.
  • To evaluate the global implications of thiomersal removal from vaccine formulations.

Summary:

  • Thiomersal is a preservative in multidose vaccine vials; hypersensitivity reactions are possible but not linked to vaccine-induced allergy.
  • Despite no evidence of neurological toxicity, thiomersal was removed from most childhood vaccines in the US and Europe due to cumulative mercury exposure concerns.
  • Recent studies show low mercury levels and rapid elimination in children receiving thiomersal-containing vaccines, refuting autism links. WHO still recommends its use in developing countries.

Impact:

  • Public communication about thiomersal has negatively impacted vaccination rates in some populations.
  • The removal of thiomersal from vaccines in developed nations has not been universally mirrored globally.
  • The World Health Organization continues to recommend thiomersal-containing vaccines for immunization programs in developing countries due to cost considerations.

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