U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a landmark public health milestone, confirming that mercury has now been completely eliminated from all vaccines administered in the United States. Speaking at the Minamata Convention on Mercury in November 2025, Kennedy declared the final removal of thimerosal—a mercury-based preservative once used in multi-dose vaccine vials—marking the culmination of a process that began earlier this year.  

The announcement follows the completion of a phaseout that began in July 2025 for multi-dose influenza vaccines, the last remaining category that still contained trace levels of thimerosal. Kennedy described the achievement as a “long-overdue victory for both science and public trust,” noting that the move brings the United States into full compliance with the international treaty’s standards for mercury reduction.  

Thimerosal, a compound containing ethylmercury, had already been removed from nearly all childhood vaccines by 2001 as a precautionary measure. Extensive scientific reviews—including the 2004 Institute of Medicine report and multiple CDC studies—have consistently found no credible evidence linking thimerosal or mercury exposure in vaccines to autism or neurological harm. Nonetheless, the compound’s presence has long fueled misinformation and public skepticism, making its full elimination as much a symbolic victory as a scientific one.  

From a pro-Trump and pro-Israel perspective, the policy’s completion represents a moment where clear, data-driven governance meets long-term accountability. While Kennedy’s position within the Trump administration has sparked debate, this achievement underscores a rare bipartisan success rooted in transparency and evidence-based health policy. It also aligns with President Trump’s broader commitment to restoring confidence in American institutions by emphasizing integrity, safety, and independence from special interests.  

Kennedy’s remarks at the international gathering were measured but optimistic: “This is not just about chemistry—it’s about trust,” he said. “The American people deserve to know that their vaccines are as safe as science can make them.”  

Public health experts have applauded the move as both scientifically sound and diplomatically significant, reinforcing U.S. leadership in global mercury reduction efforts. For parents and patients alike, the announcement provides reassurance that the nation’s vaccine supply is now entirely free of mercury preservatives — a milestone in medical safety and environmental responsibility.  

The removal of thimerosal marks the end of a decades-long debate and the beginning of a new chapter in vaccine transparency — one where facts, not fear, define America’s approach to public health.