Following HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s reported plan to “review” all vaccines containing aluminum, myths about the ingredient in vaccines continue to circulate online. On July 15, a large-scale Danish study, which followed over 1.2 million children for 24 years, confirmed previous research showing there is no link between aluminum in vaccines and negative health outcomes in children. The study found no association between exposure to aluminum in vaccines and autoimmune, allergic, or neurodevelopmental conditions. The study assessed whether participants’ aluminum exposure level—based on the number of received doses of aluminum-containing vaccines—correlated with an increase in health issues. The study has drawn international attention as vaccine opponents argue that the study is “propaganda” that is “riddled with flaws.” Several skeptical social media users claimed that coverage of the study is “misleading,” accused the researchers of being paid by “Big Pharma,” and compared the research to past studies that claimed that cigarettes were healthy. Some commenters expressed concern about mercury in vaccines, while others claimed, without evidence, that aluminum exposure is harmful.
Recommendation
False narratives about the safety of certain vaccine ingredients cause hesitancy and distrust. Prebunking messaging may explain that all ingredients in vaccines are rigorously safety tested and included to make vaccines safer or more effective. Health communicators may highlight a new study, the largest of its kind, that confirms that there is no link between aluminum in vaccines and autism, asthma, ADHD, allergies, or over 40 other conditions. Additionally, although the study did not directly compare unvaccinated and vaccinated children, it did include children who had no exposure to aluminum-containing vaccines. Messaging may also emphasize that aluminum has been used to make vaccines more effective for almost as long as modern vaccines have existed, with no evidence of safety concerns. The ingredient has been studied and proven safe for decades. Talking points may also emphasize that small amounts of aluminum are harmless and occur naturally in soil, water, and food.
Fact-checking sources: Factcheck.org, New York Times
