Keywords

vaccines, adjuvants, ingredients, polysorbate 80, aluminum, thimerosal, mercury

Abstract

Vaccines save millions of lives worldwide every year. Nevertheless, misinformation regarding vaccine ingredients circulates on various media platforms and may negatively influence parental decisions regarding childhood vaccinations. Three vaccine ingredients commonly associated with parental vaccine concerns include polysorbate 80, aluminum, and thimerosal. Common misconceptions about polysorbate 80 and neurological sequela exist within the vaccine hesitant community. Additionally, aluminum has been incorrectly connected to chronic disease in children. Though proven that thimerosal does not cause autism, vaccine critics have now inaccurately reformed the argument claiming that it is the combination of thimerosal and aluminum that causes autism. The purpose of this literature review is to provide a response to these common queries by discussing the safety of polysorbate 80, aluminum, and thimerosal in vaccines. By demonstrating that vaccine ingredients pose no threat to health, nurse practitioners can provide accurate information to parents who can then make a well-informed decision regarding childhood vaccinations.