Shark liver oil is also commonly used as a boosting agent in vaccines, called an adjuvant. It is used to improve the immune reaction and make vaccines more effective. For decades, squalene has been used in many different types of vaccines including H1N1 (swine flu), rabies, and influenza.
You also may have read more about the use of squalene lately, as a handful of companies working to create a vaccine for COVID-19 are relying upon shark liver oil (squalene) in their vaccines as well. It’s important to note that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines do not rely upon adjuvants and thus do not contain shark.
While only about one percent of squalene ends up in vaccines, and most goes into cosmetics such as sunscreen, skin creams, and moisturizers as mentioned above, it still is cause for concern – particularly given the growing need for vaccines. There are other plant-based options for Squalene.
Time is running out for sharks.
We’re submitting this petition to companies who manufacture or sell goods that contain sharks. We’ll keep you aware of the companies we submit the petition to – and also their responses – as well.