From the Guidelines
Vaqta, a hepatitis A vaccine, is not considered vegan due to the use of human diploid fibroblast cells in its production process. The vaccine is produced from hepatitis A virus grown in human diploid fibroblast cells, which may contain residual proteins from the manufacturing process [ 1 ]. Additionally, although not explicitly stated in the provided evidence, some vaccines may contain trace amounts of animal-derived components, such as bovine albumin, used in the cell culture medium. While Vaqta does not contain any obvious animal-derived ingredients in its final formulation, the use of animal-derived components in its production process means it would not meet strict vegan standards.
Key Considerations
- The production process of Vaqta involves the use of human diploid fibroblast cells, which may contain residual proteins [ 1 ].
- There are currently no completely vegan alternatives for hepatitis A vaccination.
- Individuals who follow a vegan lifestyle but require hepatitis A protection should discuss their concerns with a healthcare provider to make an informed decision balancing their health needs and ethical values.
Vaccine Production and Ingredients
- Vaqta is an inactivated, whole-cell virus vaccine produced from hepatitis A virus grown in human diploid fibroblast cells [ 1 ].
- The purified virus is then formalin inactivated and adsorbed to aluminum hydroxide [ 1 ].
- Vaqta is preservative-free, whereas other hepatitis A vaccines, such as Havrix and Twinrix, contain 2-phenoxyethanol as a preservative [ 1 ].
From the FDA Drug Label
HAVRIX (Hepatitis A Vaccine) is a sterile suspension of inactivated virus for intramuscular administration. The virus (strain HM175) is propagated in MRC-5 human diploid cells. HAVRIX contains the following excipients: Amino acid supplement (0.3% w/v) in a phosphate-buffered saline solution and polysorbate 20 (0. 05 mg/mL). From the manufacturing process, HAVRIX also contains residual MRC-5 cellular proteins (not more than 5 mcg/mL), formalin (not more than 0. 1 mg/mL), and neomycin sulfate (not more than 40 ng/mL), an aminoglycoside antibiotic included in the cell growth media.
The Vaqta (Hepatitis A vaccine) is not explicitly stated to be vegan in the provided drug labels. However, the labels do mention that the vaccine is propagated in MRC-5 human diploid cells, which are of human origin, and contain polysorbate 20, which can be derived from animal or plant sources. Additionally, the labels mention neomycin sulfate, an antibiotic that may be derived from animal sources.
- The vaccine contains residual MRC-5 cellular proteins.
- The vaccine contains polysorbate 20.
- The vaccine contains neomycin sulfate. Given the presence of these components, it is uncertain whether the vaccine can be considered vegan. 2 2
From the Research
Vaqta (Hepatitis A vaccine) Composition
- The Vaqta vaccine is an inactivated hepatitis A virus vaccine, which includes extensive purification of the intact virus particle to remove endogenous components from the host cell culture lysate 3.
- The final purified hepatitis A virus product contains greater than 95% of the protein in the preparation, which are hepatitis A virus capsid proteins VP0, VP1, VP2, and VP3 3.
Manufacturing Process
- The manufacturing process of Vaqta involves the use of a master seed virus derived from the F'(P18) variant of the strain CR326F, which has been studied in human clinical trials and shown to be highly attenuated 4.
- The antigen is highly purified to make possible the consistency and thoroughness of its inactivation by formalin 4.
Vegan Status
- There is no direct information available in the provided studies regarding the use of animal-derived products in the production of Vaqta.
- However, it is known that some vaccines may use animal-derived products, such as fetal bovine serum, in their production process 5.
- Further research would be needed to determine if Vaqta is vegan-friendly, as the provided studies do not provide sufficient information on this topic 3, 6, 7, 4.