Vaccines and porcine gelatine
Updated 29 September 2022
Applies to England
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How and why porcine gelatine is used in vaccines
The issue of pork ingredients in some vaccines has raised concerns among some groups. This guidance has been developed to provide information about vaccines that contain this product and the alternatives that may be available.
What is gelatine?
Gelatine is a substance derived from the collagen of animals such as chickens, cattle, pigs and fish. Collagen is found in tendons, ligaments, bones and cartilage. Porcine gelatine comes from collagen in pigs. All forms of gelatine for use in medicines are manufactured under strict hygiene and safety regulations.
Why porcine gelatine is used in vaccines
Gelatine is used in a very wide range of medicines, including many capsules and some vaccines. Porcine gelatine is used in vaccines as a stabiliser. This is to ensure that the vaccine remains safe and effective during storage. Vaccine manufacturers normally test a wide range of stabilisers and choose one that is stable, good quality and available in sufficient volume. Unlike the gelatine used in foods, the product used in vaccines is highly purified and broken down into very small molecules called peptides.
Why vaccines can’t be made with other types of stabilisers or other types of gelatine
Developing a vaccine takes many years of laboratory testing and clinical studies to ensure that it is both safe and effective. Once the manufacturer has chosen the stabiliser for the vaccine, any change in this could require extensive laboratory and clinical studies to show that the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine has not been affected. Because of this, developing a new safe and effective vaccine with a different stabiliser may take several years or may never happen.
Vaccines which contain porcine gelatine
In the UK routine immunisation programme, there are 3 vaccines that contain porcine gelatine:
- Fluenz® Tetra®, the nasal spray vaccine that protects children against flu
- MMR VaxPro®, a vaccine that protects against measles, mumps and rubella
- Zostavax®, the vaccine that protects older adults against shingles
The view of faith communities
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has consulted with the Kashrut and Medicines Information Service, who said: ‘It should be noted that according to Jewish laws, there is no problem with porcine or other animal derived ingredients in non-oral products. This includes vaccines, including those administered via the nose, injections, suppositories, creams and ointments.’
However, UKHSA acknowledges that there is diversity within the British Muslim and Jewish communities and they, and some other groups, may consider medicines and vaccines containing any porcine product to be forbidden. In these circumstances, it is likely that the individual would be unable to accept many pharmaceutical products unless there was no suitable alternative and/or the product was considered life-saving.
Alternatives to these vaccines
- MMR: in the UK we have 2 types of MMR vaccine – MMR VaxPro® and Priorix®. Priorix® does not contain gelatine and is as safe and effective as MMR VaxPro®
- Shingles: Zostavax® is the only shingles vaccine currently available in the UK
- Fluenz® Tetra: for healthy children, there is no equivalent vaccine. There are injectable flu vaccines that do not contain pork gelatine, but these are expected to be less effective than Fluenz® Tetra in children. They may also do less to reduce the spread of flu in the community. These vaccines are only recommended as part of the programme for children and adults who are at high risk of the complications of flu
If people do not want these types of vaccine for themselves or their children
The final decision about whether or not to be vaccinated, or have your child vaccinated, is yours. In order to come to an informed decision you may wish to consider the evidence about the advantages and disadvantages of having yourself or your child vaccinated.
Parents not wishing their children to have the porcine gelatine-containing MMR vaccine should request the Priorix® vaccine from their GP. A full course of 2 doses will provide protection against measles, mumps and rubella. Please note that the practice may need to order this product in specially so it will be helpful to tell them your views before the appointment.
If your child is at high risk from flu due to an underlying health condition, the nasal vaccine is considered the best option. If they choose not to have the nasal spray or cannot have it for medical reasons, then they should have a flu vaccine by injection. For adults at high risk from flu, the injectable vaccine should also be given. If your child is not at high risk from flu and you do not accept the use of pork gelatine in medical products, you should discuss your options with your nurse or doctor.
For older people wanting to protect themselves against shingles there is at present no alternative to Zostavax®.
If you would like further information before making your decisions about vaccinations, you may wish to talk to your doctor or practice nurse. This is particularly important if you are at high risk of the diseases that these vaccines effectively prevent.