Each ingredient in the vaccine has a purpose
To provide immunity
We become immune (or protected) against a disease when our bodies create specific antibodies to fight that disease. Vaccines contain ingredients that help the body develop this immunity.
To keep the vaccine safe and long-lasting
Vaccines must be safe and effective. Certain ingredients help keep vaccines safe from contamination and toxins. Others, such as stabilizers, help vaccines remain effective for a long time.
To make the vaccine more effective
All vaccine ingredients help make the vaccine as effective as possible while still being safe. Ingredients like aluminum salt help stimulate the body’s response to the vaccine.
Ingredients found in some vaccines.
Stabilizers
- Aim: To maintain the effectiveness of the vaccine after its manufacture.
- It is most commonly found in: Jell-O®, naturally in the body
- Examples: Sugars, gelatin
Adjuvants
- Aim: To help stimulate the body’s response to the vaccine.
- It is most commonly found in: Drinking water, infant formula, and some health products such as antacids, buffered aspirin, and antiperspirants.
- Examples: aluminum salts
Residual inactivating ingredients.
- Aim: To kill viruses or inactivate toxins during the manufacturing process.
- It is most commonly found in: Naturally in the human body, fruits, home furniture (carpets, upholstery)
- Example: Formaldehyde
Residual cell culture materials.
- Aim: Produce enough virus or bacteria to make the vaccine.
- It is most commonly found in: Eggs and foods containing eggs.
- Examples: egg protein
Residual antibiotics
- Aim: To prevent bacterial contamination during the vaccine manufacturing process.
- It is most commonly found in: Common antibiotics. Antibiotics that people are more likely to be allergic to, such as penicillin, are not used in vaccines.
- Examples: Neomycin, Kanamycin, Streptomycin
preservatives
- Aim: To prevent contamination
- It is most commonly found in: Some types of fish
- Example: Thimerosal (in multidose flu vaccine vials only)
Most vaccines do not contain mercury.
Most vaccines do not contain mercury. However, multiple-dose flu vaccines and a type of tetanus and diphtheria (Td) vaccine contain a small amount of thimerosal. Thimerosal contains a form of mercury (ethylmercury) that does not cause mercury poisoning and is safe for use in vaccines. Flu and Td vaccines are also available in thimerosal-free versions.
Different types of vaccines work in different ways
Vaccines can help protect against certain diseases by mimicking an infection. This helps teach the immune system how to build immunity to fight future infection. Different vaccines provide immunity in different ways.
Specific vaccine ingredients
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is responsible for ensuring that vaccines are safe and effective, has information on all approved vaccines. Check out the links below to discover the different vaccine options and the different ingredients.
Learn about the vaccines that are currently approved in the US by the FDA to prevent different diseases.
Do you want to know more? Read about common vaccine ingredients from the FDA.
