The conspiracy theory suggesting that COVID-19 vaccines were not tested on animals or that all test animals were killed is unfounded and incorrect. In fact, the development of the COVID-19 vaccines followed standard protocols which included extensive animal testing before proceeding to human trials. These animal studies were crucial in assessing the safety and efficacy of the vaccines.
Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson, the companies behind the vaccines granted Emergency Use Authorization by the FDA, all conducted animal trials. These studies did not report significant safety concerns that would halt the progression to human trials. The misinformation regarding the skipping of animal trials or adverse outcomes leading to the deaths of all animals is baseless. For instance, Pfizer and Moderna were allowed to conduct animal testing concurrently with early human trials due to the urgency of the pandemic, but
this does not mean the vaccines’ safety was compromised. These protocols ensure the vaccines’ safety and efficacy before being administered to humans.
The FDA, along with independent data and safety monitoring boards, oversaw the trials to ensure integrity and safety. After analyzing data from phase 3 clinical trials and safety surveillance, full FDA approval was granted to the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine in August 2021 and the Moderna vaccine in January 2022, following their demonstrated safety and efficacy in both animals and humans.
It’s also critical to note that claims suggesting vaccines were pushed through due to animal deaths are incorrect. Reuters Fact Check clarifies that COVID-19 vaccines did not skip animal testing due to the animals dying. Similarly, Nature discusses the role of various animal models in the development and testing of COVID-19 vaccines, showing the extensive use and importance of these models in understanding the vaccine’s effects before human trials.
These efforts reflect the scientific community’s commitment to safety and efficacy, debunking the myth of skipped animal testing or widespread animal deaths as a reason to doubt vaccine safety.
