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WHO and UNICEF: No evidence of toxicity in infants, children or adults exposed to thiomersal in vaccines

The Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety (GACVS), an expert clinical and scientific advisory body, was established by the World Health Organization to deal with vaccine-safety issues of potential global importance.
The Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety (GACVS) first assessed the issue of thiomersal safety in a special meeting in August 2000 and continues to review the safety aspect of thiomersal-containing vaccines as new evidence emerges. In the review by the committee (at its meeting of 6-7 June 2006) the conclusion previously reached was reaffirmed that there is no evidence of toxicity in infants, children or adults exposed to thiomersal in vaccines.
The GACVS held its eighteenth meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, during 18–19 June 2008. Use of thiomersal-containing vaccine in premature and low-birth-weight infants was considered in this meeting. On the basis of the presented data, the GACVS remains of the view that there is no evidence supporting any change in WHO’s recommendations for thiomersal-containing vaccines and the vaccination of low-birth-weight infants where indicated.

WHO and UNICEF reiterate that the DTP vaccines containing thiomersal (manufactured by CSL Australia) donated to Bosnia and Herzegovina by UNICEF in 2002 have undergone an independent review by WHO to ensure their safety and effectiveness and were produced in accordance with the highest international standards.

WHO and UNICEF would like to reassure the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Government of Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Government of Republika Srpska, the Government of Brcko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina of their full support in strengthening immunization programmes and ensuring a healthy and happy future for each and every child in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Joint media statement: World Health Organization and UNICEF

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