Thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative used in some flu vaccines, has come under renewed scrutiny following a controversial decision by a restructured federal vaccine panel. Spearheaded by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the panel voted to stop recommending flu shots containing thimerosal. Kennedy, a longtime vaccine skeptic, alleges the compound is toxic and linked to autism and other health issues, claims widely rejected by scientific evidence.
So, what exactly is thimerosal, and is there any real cause for concern? Click on to find out.