Last Updated:
August 21, 2024

Aluminium in vaccines

This factsheet provides information about aluminium in vaccines. Some vaccines for children include aluminium salts to enhance their effectiveness. Aluminium is quickly eliminated from the body via the kidneys. The aluminium content in childhood vaccines is less than what is ingested through children’s diets and remains within safe limits.

Download resource

Overview

References

  • Ameratunga R, Gillis D, Gold M, Linneberg A, Elwood JM. Evidence refuting the existence of Autoimmune/Autoinflammatory Syndrome Induced by Adjuvants (ASIA). J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2017;5(6):1551-5.e1.
  • Fernandez-Lorenzo J, Cocho J, Rey-Goldar M, Couce M, Fraga J. Aluminum contents of human milk, cow’s milk, and infant formulas. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 1999;28(3):270-5.
  • Garcon N, Friede M. Evolution of adjuvants across the centuries. In: Plotkin S, Orenstein W, Offit P, Edwards K, editors. Plotkin’s vaccines. 7th ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier; 2018. p. 61-74.
  • Karwowski MP, Stamoulis C, Wenren LM, Faboyede GM, Quinn N, Gura KM, et al. Blood and hair aluminum levels, vaccine history, and early infant development: A cross-sectional study. Acad Pediatr. Forthcoming 2017.
  • Keith L, Jones D, Chou C. Aluminum toxicokinetics regarding infant diet and vaccinations. Vaccine. 2002;20(Suppl 3):S13-7.
  • Mitkus RJ, King DB, Hess MA, Forshee RA, Walderhaug MO. Updated aluminum pharmacokinetics following infant exposures through diet and vaccination. Vaccine. 2011;29(51):9538-43.
  • Offit PA, Jew RK. Addressing parents’ concerns: Do vaccines contain harmful preservatives, adjuvants, additives, or residuals? Pediatrics. 2003;112(6):1394-7.
  • Sorenson JR, Campbell IR, Tepper LB, Lingg RD. Aluminum in the environment and human health. Environ Health Perspect. 1974;8:3-
  • 95. Whyte DA, Fine RN. Chronic kidney disease in children. Pediatr Rev. 2008;29(10):335-41.
  • World Health Organization. Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety, June 2012: Aluminium adjuvants. Wkly Epidemiol Rec. 2012;87(30):282-3.
Cartoon image of a man showing his arm where he received a vaccination