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A Project of The Annenberg Public Policy Center

Issues: SV40

COVID-19 Vaccines Have Not Been Shown to Alter DNA, Cause Cancer

COVID-19 Vaccines Have Not Been Shown to Alter DNA, Cause Cancer
October 26, 2023

Small amounts of DNA from the manufacturing process may remain in the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. Purification and quality control steps ensure any leftover DNA is present within regulatory limits. There isn’t reason to think that this residual DNA would alter a person’s DNA or cause cancer, contrary to claims made online.

Did the Polio Vaccine Cause Cancer?

Did the Polio Vaccine Cause Cancer?
April 24, 2018

Q: Did people develop cancer because of the polio vaccine?

A: There are no known cases, and it’s very unlikely. In the 1950s and 1960s, people did receive polio vaccines contaminated with a virus that causes cancer in rodents. But research suggests this virus doesn’t cause cancer in humans.