In addition to weakened or killed disease antigens… vaccines contain very small amounts of other ingredients – excipients.
– Preservatives, to prevent contamination. For example, thimerosal.
– Adjuvants, to help stimulate a stronger immune response. For example, aluminum salts.
– Stabilizers, to keep the vaccine potent during transportation and storage. For example, sugars or gelatin.
[R]esidual trace amounts of materials that were used during the manufacturing process… can include:
– Cell culture materials, used to grow the vaccine antigens. For example, egg protein, various culture media.
– Inactivating ingredients, used to kill viruses or inactivate toxins. For example, formaldehyde.
– Antibiotics, used to prevent contamination by bacteria. For example, neomycin.
Substances used in the manufacture of a vaccine but not listed as contained in the final product (e.g., culture media) can be found in each PI [package insert], but are not shown on this table.
Each PI, which can be found on the FDA’s website (see below) contains a description of that vaccine’s manufacturing process, including the amount and purpose of each substance. In most PIs, this information is found in Section 11: “Description.”