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porcine gelatine
This leaflet describes how and why
porcine gelatine is used in vaccines
The issue of pork ingredients in some vaccines Why can’t vaccines be made with
has raised concerns among some groups. other stabilisers or other types
This leaflet has been developed to provide of gelatine?
information about vaccines that contain
Developing a vaccine takes many years of
this product and the alternatives that may
laboratory testing and clinical studies to ensure
be available.
that it is both safe and effective. Once the
manufacturer has chosen the stabiliser for
What is gelatine? the vaccine, any change in this could require
Gelatine is a substance derived from the extensive laboratory and clinical studies to
collagen of animals such as chickens, cattle, show that the safety and effectiveness of the
pigs and fish. Collagen is found in tendons, vaccine were not affected. Because of this,
ligaments, bones, and cartilage. Porcine developing a new safe and effective vaccine
gelatine comes from collagen in pigs. with a different stabiliser may take several
All forms of gelatine for use in medicines years or may never happen.
are manufactured under strict hygiene
and safety regulations. Which vaccines contain porcine
gelatine?
Why is porcine gelatine used
In the UK routine immunisation programme,
in vaccines? there are three vaccines that contain porcine
Gelatine is used in a very wide range of gelatine:
medicines, including many capsules and some
vaccines. Porcine gelatine is used in vaccines • Fluenz Tetra® the nasal spray vaccine that
as a stabiliser – to ensure that the vaccine protects children against flu,
remains safe and effective during storage. • MMR VaxPro®, a vaccine that protects
Vaccine manufacturers normally test a wide against measles, mumps and rubella
range of stabilisers and choose one that is
stable, good quality and available in sufficient • Zostavax®, the vaccine that protects older
volume. Unlike the gelatine used in foods, adults against shingles.
the product used in vaccines is highly purified
and broken down into very small molecules
called peptides.
© Crown copyright 2015. First published as a pdf by Public Health England August 2015