This week, Children’s Health Defense backed a lawsuit against its founder, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., alleging he “has failed” to comply with federal law by not creating a federal task force seeking the development of “safer” childhood vaccines.

The mercury-based ingredient has prompted concerns from some organizations, although the CDC has said there is no evidence it causes harm.

The CDC says there is no evidence of harm from mercury-based thimerosal.

The US Department of Health and Human Services has adopted a recommendation to remove a preservative called thimerosal from all influenza vaccines distributed in the United States.

The Wisconsin DHS added a requirement for the 2024-25 school year for the Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY) by seventh grade, and a booster by 12th grade. Meningococcal disease is a rare, but serious disease that can be fatal in 10% to 15% of people who get it.

While few shots still contain thimerosal, the move eliminates a vaccine option for Americans and is a win for the anti-vaccine movement.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently announced a change to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's vaccine schedule that he says reflects a new approach to public health and personal choice.

Kennedy Jr., the nation’s health secretary, sparked fierce criticism earlier this year when he pledged to determine what causes autism by September — a deadline deemed wildly unrealistic by many longtime researchers.