(4).
There is no antifreeze in vaccines.
Antifreeze is typically made with ethylene glycol which is unsafe for humans.
People confuse this chemical with polyethylene glycol which is a chemical used
in antifreeze but it is also used in many personal care products like skin
creams and toothpaste (1).
Although ethylene glycol and
polyethylene seem similar they are actually quite different (3). Ethylene
glycol can turn into oxalic acid and when this is ingested this causes damage
to the heart, kidneys, and central nervous system in large amounts. However,
polyethylene glycol is a type of mineral oil and its actually consumed daily as
an additive in certain foods and beverages which include soda, ice cream,
cookies, and salad dressing (2). Overall, Polyethylene glycol is the chemical
in vaccines and it is safe (1).
Resources:
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2013, February 28). Vaccine Ingredients: Frequently Asked Questions. Retrieved May 5, 2020, from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/immunizations/Pages/Vaccine-Ingredients-Frequently-Asked-Questions.aspx
- Herlihy, S. M., & Hagood, E. A. (2015). Your baby's best shot: Why vaccines are safe and save lives. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield.
- Food and Drug Administration. (2019, September 19). CFR - Code of Federal Regulations Title 21. Retrieved May 4, 2020, from
