Researchers are sounding the alarm over the safety of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine after a study revealed significant levels of residual DNA fragments in vaccine vials, including the spike gene and an SV40 promoter-enhancer sequence linked to cancer.
The peer-reviewed study, published in the Science, Public Health Policy and the Law, has prompted calls to immediately halt the use of all mRNA-based biologicals due to concerns about potential long-term risks. Residual DNA in vaccines can potentially integrate into a person’s genome and lead to unintended genetic modifications or harmful immune responses.
The study found that the DNA levels of Pfizer’s vaccine far exceeded regulatory limits, including the SV40 promoter-enhancer sequence, which can activate oncogenes—genes that can trigger cancer—if integrated into human cells.
Researchers also found glaring regulatory failures. DNA contamination levels found in the Pfizer vaccine were up to 1,000 times higher than regulatory thresholds established by global health agencies, which typically set limits at less than 10 nanograms per dose. This suggests a lack of rigorous quality control during the manufacturing process.
The presence of DNA contamination is particularly concerning because of the potential consequences for human health. DNA serves as the genetic blueprint for cellular function, residing in the nucleus of cells.
Foreign DNA fragments, when introduced into the body, could integrate into a person’s genome and disrupt cellular functions, activate dormant viruses, or lead to cancer. Additionally, foreign DNA fragments can provoke inflammatory responses, which may lead to autoimmune conditions as the body begins attacking its own tissues.
The presence of SV40 in a widely used vaccine is particularly troubling given its controversial history. In the 1960s, millions of people were exposed to simian virus 40 (SV40) through contaminated polio vaccines. Research later established a link between this contamination and certain cancers, sparking public outrage.
The researchers argue that the risks associated with SV40 were either overlooked or dismissed in the rush to approve and distribute these vaccines. They emphasize that even a small risk becomes significant when applied to billions of doses administered worldwide. Moreover, discovering an SV40 sequence raises unique concerns due to its potential role in driving cancer-related processes.
The researchers are calling for an immediate suspension of all mRNA-based vaccines until these concerns are fully investigated. They argue that the scale of the vaccination campaign, combined with financial incentives and political pressure, may have compromised the usual safeguards in place to ensure product safety.
Barbara Loe Fisher, co-founder of the National Vaccine Information Center, stated that the findings should prompt serious reconsideration of these vaccines, saying, “We’ve been told these vaccines are safe and effective, but the emerging evidence tells a very different story.”
While mRNA was initially celebrated as a revolutionary breakthrough in medical science, the discovery of DNA contamination raises significant concerns about its safety and the rigor of the processes used to develop and manufacture these products. Critics warn that the rush to innovate, driven by a global pandemic and unprecedented demand, may have prioritized speed over safety.
At the very least, the public deserves answers, and regulatory agencies must address the mounting evidence of potential harm. For now, researchers and vaccine safety advocates insist that the use of mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines should be paused until these issues are thoroughly examined.
