Aluminum in Vaccines and Asthma?
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Vaccine NewsAluminum is used in some vaccines as an adjuvant. Adjuvants enhance the immune response to vaccines, allowing for use of lower quantities of antigen in the vaccine and fewer doses. Aluminum adjuvants have been safely used in vaccines since the 1930s. However, unfounded concerns about the safety of aluminum in vaccines have been voiced over the years.
Recently, a study was published in which the results suggested an association between aluminum in vaccines and the development of asthma. While on its face this sounds concerning, it is important to evaluate how the study was done. In this video, Dr. Paul Offit describes important methodological flaws that limit what we can learn from this study and why parents should not be concerned about the safety of the current immunization schedule based on these data.
Get more information
- Aluminum and Asthma? – The Oct. 2022 issue of Parents PACK describes limitations of this study in further detail.
- Vaccine Ingredients – Aluminum – This webpage includes a list of which vaccines contain aluminum and the quantities, describes quantities of aluminum in other substances, and provides summaries of other research studies related to aluminum.
- Aluminum in Vaccines: What you should know – This popular Q&A describes aluminum processing and retention as well as answers other common questions about the use of aluminum in vaccines.
- Is the Aluminum in Vaccines Safe? – In this video, Dr. Offit discusses how we know the quantities of aluminum in vaccines are safe.
- Is There a Difference Between Aluminum That Is Injected vs. Ingested? – In this video, Dr. Offit discusses the difference between aluminum that is consumed in food and that which is injected in vaccines.
Materials in this section are updated as new information and vaccines become available. The Vaccine Education Center staff regularly reviews materials for accuracy.
You should not consider the information in this site to be specific, professional medical advice for your personal health or for your family's personal health. You should not use it to replace any relationship with a physician or other qualified healthcare professional. For medical concerns, including decisions about vaccinations, medications and other treatments, you should always consult your physician or, in serious cases, seek immediate assistance from emergency personnel.