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 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.

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

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.