A social media post claims that SV40 is present in experimental vaccines. We fact-checked it and found that it is false,
Claim
“SV40 is in experimental vaccine and it causes cancer,” a post on the Threads platform claims.
fact check
What is SV40?
SV40 This is a virus which is basically found in monkeys. It was used in early polio vaccines that were made using monkey kidney cells. However, SV40 was removed from vaccines several years ago after it was discovered by scientists in the 1960s.
Is SV40 present in experimental vaccines today?
No, SV40 is not present in modern vaccines. SV40 was found in some early polio vaccines, but was removed from the production process after it was discovered by scientists in the 1960s. Today, vaccines are produced under strict safety standards that ensure they do not contain SV40 or any similar viruses. Modern vaccine production methods no longer use monkey kidney cells, which were the source of contamination.
Was SV40 linked to cancer?
Not necessary. The evidence is inconclusive. While some studies suggest that SV40 may be linked to cancers such as brain, bone, and mesothelioma, the evidence is not definitive. A 2019 study shows a possible link between SV40 and some cancers, but the scientific community is cautious. The Institute of Medicine (US) has stated that there is “moderate strength” evidence suggesting that exposure to SV40 could potentially contribute to cancer development under natural conditions. However, large-scale studies have not shown any clear causal relationship between SV40 and cancer in humans.
Why do people still mention SV40 in vaccine discussions?
The mention of the SV40 appears to have originated from misinformation. Despite the virus being removed from vaccines decades ago, some groups continue to highlight it to stoke fears about the vaccine’s safety. However, this information is outdated and not based on current scientific evidence. Today vaccines are made using safe and modern methods that do not involve SV40.
Is there any cancer risk from SV40 now?
No, there is currently no risk of cancer from SV40 in vaccines. Since SV40 was removed from vaccines in the 1960s, no credible evidence has emerged to suggest that it causes cancer. Even at the time of its appearance, there was no definitive evidence that it caused cancer in humans, as extensive research has shown that SV40 is not a confirmed cancer-causing agent.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) further reported that some polio vaccines used between 1955 and 1963 were contaminated with SV40, a monkey virus. While SV40 can cause cancer in animals, human studies have not consistently linked it to cancer. The NCI concludes that the overall evidence is inconclusive and recommends continued research to resolve remaining uncertainties.
In recent years, COVID-19 vaccines have been the subject of several conspiracy theories, such as claims that COVID-19 vaccines increase the risk of heart attacks by 500% and that they were part of a military project.
What does the science say today about vaccine safety?
Science strongly supports the safety of vaccines. Vaccines are one of the most tested and monitored medical products in the world. Once approved for use they undergo rigorous clinical trials and constant safety monitoring. Claims that vaccines, including experimental vaccines, contain harmful agents such as SV40 are not supported by current scientific evidence. The benefits of vaccination—protecting individuals from serious diseases—far outweigh any baseless risks.
Despite extensive safety measures for vaccines, some people still falsely claim that Dr. Fauci acknowledged that 72 childhood vaccines lacked proper safety testing.
THIP Media Tech
Claims that SVSV40 is present in experimental vaccines and causes cancer falseWhile SV40 was present in early polio vaccines, it was removed decades ago, and there is no conclusive evidence linking it to cancer in humans. Vaccines today are safe and do not contain SV40.
(This story was originally published by The Healthy Indian Project, and republished by NDTV as part of the Shakti Collective)
