Logan Reed
The development of the coronavirus vaccine has been under intense scrutiny, particularly concerning the ingredients used. Thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative, has been widely used in vaccines since the 1930s to prevent the growth of harmful microbes. However, its use has significantly declined due to the emergence of single-dose vaccines that don't require preservatives. While Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine ingredients are considered standard, it's important to note that the use of mercury compounds in vaccines is avoided, and there is no evidence of mercury being present in the coronavirus vaccine.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mercury compounds in COVID-19 vaccines | Not added to stabilise the vaccine. |
| Thimerosal | A mercury-containing preservative used in vaccines since the 1930s. |
| Thimerosal use in COVID-19 vaccines | Not used in mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines. |
| Thimerosal use in other vaccines | Usage has declined due to reformulation and development of single-dose vaccines. |
| Thimerosal health risks | No health risks documented. |
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What You'll Learn
Thimerosal is a mercury-based preservative
Thimerosal has been shown to be effective in clearing a broad spectrum of pathogens at concentrations of 0.001% (1 part in 100,000) to 0.01% (1 part in 10,000). At these concentrations, it meets the requirements for a preservative by killing specified challenge organisms and preventing the growth of fungi. For example, a vaccine containing 0.01% thimerosal as a preservative contains approximately 25 micrograms of mercury per 0.5 mL dose, which is comparable to the amount of elemental mercury found in a 3-ounce can of tuna fish.
The use of thimerosal as a preservative has been the subject of numerous studies, and it has a long record of safe and effective use. However, some people have expressed concerns about its presence in vaccines. In the United States, federal guidelines aim to minimize the presence of methylmercury, a related substance, in the environment and food. While thimerosal contains ethylmercury, which is distinct from methylmercury, high exposure to methylmercury can be toxic to humans.
Despite its safe use, the Health and Human Services (HHS) department has accepted an Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendation to remove thimerosal from flu vaccines. This decision may have been influenced by the development of single-dose vaccines and the preference for preservative-free formulations.
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Thimerosal has been widely used since the 1930s
Thimerosal, a mercury-containing organic compound, has been widely used since the 1930s. It is approximately 50% mercury by weight and has been one of the most widely used preservatives in vaccines. It is metabolized or degraded to ethylmercury and thiosalicylate. Ethylmercury is an organomercurial that should be distinguished from methylmercury, which has been the focus of considerable study. Methylmercury is the type of mercury found in certain kinds of fish, and at high exposure levels, it can be toxic to people.
Thimerosal has been used as a preservative in several biological and drug products, including many vaccines, to prevent the growth of harmful microbes inadvertently introduced into the vaccine during use. The documented antimicrobial properties of thimerosal contribute to the safe use of vaccines in multi-dose vials. The ability to package certain vaccines, such as those for seasonal and pandemic influenza, in multi-dose vials helps facilitate immunization campaigns in the United States and globally.
Thimerosal in concentrations of 0.001% (1 part in 100,000) to 0.01% (1 part in 10,000) has been shown to be effective in clearing a broad spectrum of pathogens. Prior to the introduction of thimerosal in the 1930s, data were available in several animal species and humans, providing evidence for its safety and effectiveness as a preservative. Since then, thimerosal has been the subject of numerous studies and has a long record of safe and effective use, preventing bacterial and fungal contamination of vaccines.
However, the use of mercury-containing preservatives like thimerosal has declined in recent years due to the development of new products formulated into single-dose presentations that do not require preservatives. Under the FDA Modernization Act of 1997, the FDA compiled a list of regulated products containing mercury, including those with thimerosal. While thimerosal has been widely used and considered safe, the HHS has accepted an ACIP recommendation to remove it from flu vaccines.
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Thimerosal use has declined in recent years
Thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative, has been widely used in vaccines since the 1930s. It is approximately 50% mercury by weight and is metabolized or degraded into ethylmercury and thiosalicylate. While thimerosal has a long history of safe and effective use, its utilization as a preservative in vaccines has significantly declined in recent years.
This decline can be attributed to two main factors: reformulation and the development of single-dose vaccines. Firstly, reformulation efforts have led to the creation of thimerosal-free or reduced formulations for many vaccines. This is particularly important for vaccines intended for children, as there have been concerns and studies exploring a potential link between thimerosal and neurodevelopmental disorders like autism. While scientific evidence collected over the past two decades does not support this association, precautionary measures have been implemented to reduce thimerosal exposure in childhood vaccines.
Secondly, the development and increasing use of single-dose vaccines have contributed to the decline in thimerosal usage. Thimerosal was necessary in multi-dose vials to prevent the growth of harmful microbes that could be inadvertently introduced during multiple uses. However, with single-dose presentations, the need for preservatives like thimerosal is eliminated.
The decline in Thimerosal use is also reflected in the recommendations and guidelines of health authorities. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the U.S. Public Health Service, for instance, recommended the removal of Thimerosal from vaccines in 1999. Additionally, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted the recommendation to remove Thimerosal from flu vaccines, despite its established safe use.
While Thimerosal use has declined, it is important to note that it has not been entirely eliminated. It is still present in some flu vaccines and other medical products, such as immune globulin preparations and anti-venins. However, for individuals concerned about Thimerosal exposure, alternative flu vaccines without Thimerosal are available.
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Thimerosal is deemed safe and effective
Thimerosal is an organic compound that is approximately 50% mercury by weight. It has been used as a preservative in vaccines since the 1930s to prevent the growth of harmful microbes. Even before its introduction, studies on several animal species and humans provided evidence for its safety and effectiveness.
Thimerosal has been deemed safe and effective due to its long record of successful use. It has been the subject of numerous studies over many years and in multiple countries, all confirming its safety. The scientific evidence collected over 20+ years does not show any evidence of harm, including serious neurodevelopmental disorders. There is also no evidence that thimerosal causes autism or other neurological problems. In fact, autism rates rose after thimerosal was removed from childhood vaccines, indicating no link between the two.
The most common side effects of thimerosal in vaccines are minor reactions like redness and swelling at the injection site. While some people may be allergic to thimerosal, it is very rare. At the concentrations found in vaccines, thimerosal meets the requirements for a preservative as set forth by the United States Pharmacopeia. It effectively kills specified challenge organisms and prevents the growth of fungi.
Thimerosal has been deemed safe and effective by the CDC, FDA, and many academic institutions. The use of thimerosal as a preservative has declined in recent years due to the development of single-dose vaccines that do not require preservatives. However, it continues to be used in some flu vaccines and other medical products.
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No mercury compounds in mRNA-based vaccines
The COVID-19 vaccines developed by Pfizer and Moderna are both mRNA-based vaccines. These vaccines do not contain mercury compounds. Kyle Anderson, an assistant professor of biochemistry, microbiology and immunology at the University of Saskatchewan, has stated that the ingredients in these vaccines are "almost simpler and more straightforward than any other vaccine".
The use of mercury-based preservatives in vaccines has declined in recent years due to the development of new products formulated into single-dose presentations that do not require preservatives. Thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative, has been widely used since the 1930s to prevent the growth of harmful microbes inadvertently introduced into the vaccine during use. However, thimerosal has been removed from all influenza vaccines distributed in the United States as of 2025, marking a critical step toward enhancing public confidence in vaccines and advancing safer immunization practices.
Thimerosal was previously used in multi-dose vials of vaccines to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi, which could occur when a syringe needle enters a vial during vaccine preparation. While there is no evidence of harm caused by the low doses of thimerosal in vaccines, other than minor reactions like redness and swelling at the injection site, it has been replaced by single-dose presentations that do not require preservatives.
MRNA-based vaccines have additional benefits, including being highly effective and safe. They are also more environmentally friendly, as they require fewer resources for production and transportation.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the coronavirus vaccine does not contain mercury. However, a mercury-based preservative called thimerosal has been widely used in vaccines since the 1930s.
Thimerosal has been deemed safe for use in vaccines by the FDA and has been the subject of numerous studies. It is effective in preventing the growth of harmful microbes that may be introduced into the vaccine during use.
The use of thimerosal as a preservative has declined in recent years due to the development of single-dose vaccines that do not require preservatives.
