Thiomersal
GACVS is maintaining a watching brief on the safety of thiomersal-containing vaccines. There is insufficient evidence to reach definite conclusions regarding the safety of thiomersal in possible special risk groups, notably malnourished infants and premature or low-birth-weight newborn infants. It is important to determine whether such individuals are at special risk, and WHO should encourage further research on the matter relevant to the developing world. Based on the most recent evidence, GACVS reported to WHO that there is no scientific basis for changing current WHO recommendations for thiomersal-containing vaccines, including administration of a birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine and vaccination of low birth- weight infants where indicated.