The US Department of Health has banned the use of thiomersal, a mercury-based preservative, in vaccines, following the recommendations of an expert panel.

The decision was taken after a vote by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which proposed to exclude this preservative from vaccines for adults, pregnant women and children. Vaccine manufacturers have confirmed that they can replace multi-dose vials containing thiomersal without affecting supply. The recommendations are under evaluation and the nomination of the CDC director is pending.