Aluminium is crucial to vaccines – and safe. Why are US advisers debating it?
7 days ago
- #public health
- #vaccines
- #adjuvants
- US vaccine advisers are focusing on adjuvants, compounds that enhance immune responses in vaccines.
- Aluminium is a widely used adjuvant in vaccines for diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, and hepatitis B.
- New adjuvants are being developed to target specific pathogens, including those causing tuberculosis, malaria, and HIV.
- Adjuvants work by triggering inflammation or activating specific immune cell pathways.
- Aluminium adjuvants have been deemed safe and effective by regulators, despite claims linking them to autism and allergies.
- A study in Denmark involving over one million children found no link between aluminium adjuvants and autism or allergies.
- The US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will discuss aluminium adjuvants but has not scheduled a vote on their use.
- Removing aluminium adjuvants without a proven alternative could render some vaccines ineffective.