The Trump administration told global vaccine alliance Gavi that U.S. funding will cease unless thimerosal-containing shots are phased out. Gavi responded that any decision on thimerosal use must be a board-level matter guided by science, highlighting tensions between political directives and scientific governance in global health.
In a significant policy move, the Trump administration has informed the global vaccine alliance Gavi that continued U.S. funding will depend on the phase-out of thimerosal-containing vaccines. Thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative, has long been used in multi-dose vials to prevent contamination, particularly in low-resource settings.
Key highlights:
-
The U.S. government has linked its financial support for Gavi to the elimination of thimerosal-based shots, citing safety concerns.
-
Gavi, however, emphasized that any decision on vaccine formulations must be taken by its board and guided strictly by scientific evidence, not political pressure.
-
Health experts note that thimerosal-containing vaccines remain critical in many countries due to cost-effectiveness and logistical advantages, especially where cold-chain infrastructure is limited.
-
The move raises questions about the balance between political influence and scientific autonomy in global health governance.
-
Analysts warn that withdrawal of U.S. funding could impact Gavi’s ability to support immunization programs in developing nations, potentially affecting millions of children.
This development underscores the growing intersection of politics, science, and public health, with global stakeholders watching closely how Gavi’s board navigates the challenge.
Sources: Reuters, Associated Press, The Guardian