Reps Maloney, Smith Reintroduce Bill To Ban Mercury from Vaccines

WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and Rep. Chris Smith
(R-NJ) have reintroduced a bill (H.R. 2617) that puts in statute
definite timelines for the elimination of mercury from vaccines. Given
the increasing concerns about mercury exposures and our ability to
eliminate this particular exposure, this bill completes actions begun
several years ago to ban mercury from vaccines.

The bill builds on the policy recommendations issued in July 1999 by the Public Health Service, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Family Physicians. That policy proclaimed ‘‘[The] Public Health Service, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and vaccine manufacturers agree that thimerosal-containing vaccines should be removed as soon as possible.” Yet ten years later thimerosal remains in some childhood vaccines as well as vaccines administered to women during pregnancy.  

Specifically, The Mercury-Free Vaccines Act would eliminate the use of mercury and mercury-based preservatives from vaccines, eliminating this exposure in children and reducing this exposure in adults.

To view H.R. 2617, click here.

Background: Rep. Maloney was an original cosponsor of the Mercury Free Vaccines Act when originally introduced by Rep. Dave Weldon (R-FL) in the 110th Congress (H.R. 881). Upon his retirement from the House of Representatives, Rep. Maloney reintroduced the legislation.

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