Micah Jonah
January 28, 2026
The United States government has asked global vaccine alliance, Gavi to phase out vaccines containing thimerosal, a mercury based preservative, as a condition for receiving future funding.
US officials say no new funds will be released until a clear plan is presented to remove the preservative from vaccines supplied to low and middle income countries. Gavi confirmed the request, stated that any such decision must be approved by its board, guided by scientific consensus.
Health experts and the World Health Organization maintain that decades of studies have found no evidence linking thimerosal to autism or other developmental disorders, and warn that removing it could increase vaccine costs and limit access in poorer countries where multi dose vials are commonly used.
The United States was previously one of Gavi’s biggest donors, contributing about 13 percent of its funding, but has recently reduced support as part of broader cuts to international health programmes.
