Short Wave The global fallout of RFK Jr.'s vaccine policies
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Mar 4, 2026 
Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR global health correspondent who reports on vaccine policy and epidemiology. She walks through how U.S. vaccine policy shifts are affecting global programs. Short scenes cover U.S. pressure on an international vaccine alliance over thimerosal and a controversial newborn hepatitis B trial with heated ethical debate.
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U.S. Ultimatum Could Disrupt Global Vaccine Supply
- The U.S. HHS under Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pressured Gavi to remove thimerosal from vaccines despite global reliance on multi-dose vials.
- Thimerosal prevents contamination in multi-dose vials used in low-income countries and has been deemed safe by WHO, FDA, and CDC.
Thimerosal Safety Compared To Everyday Exposure
- Thimerosal contains a form of mercury but the type used in vaccines clears the body quickly and does not accumulate.
- Angela Rasmussen compares a single thimerosal dose to less mercury than a tuna sandwich, underpinning WHO and CDC safety determinations.
No Simple Replacement For Thimerosal In Low-Income Settings
- There is no easy alternative to thimerosal for low-income countries because single-dose vials are cost-prohibitive.
- Multi-dose vials are essential for mass immunization days in poorer settings, making phase-out technically and financially difficult.