Flu: The facts on flu vaccination and gelatin

October 26, 2018

There has recently been some news in the media around the Flu vaccination containing gelatin, a porcine substance which is used as a stabiliser in some vaccinations.  To confirm, the adult Flu vaccination does not contain any pork derivatives or gelatine substances.

To clarify, only the nasal Flu vaccination given to children does contain a gelatin substance.  The only occupational vaccination that does contain a porcine substance, is the MMR vaccination but it should be noted that many multi-faith organisations approve of the usage of vaccinations as they are not administered orally.  Please see the statement below from Public Health England.

Public Health England (PHE) 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, PHE 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’.

We ask that serious consideration is given before declining any vaccinations containing porcine substances which protect against deadly viruses, such as the MMR vaccination and that conversations are held with faith leaders regarding whether vaccination is appropriate.

Further information can be found in the attached Public Health England notice: PHE Vaccines porcine gelatine