The vaccine and veganism is a debate continuing to dominate conversation, and so I thought I’ll explore more questions in this week’s column, specifically around the Pfizer vaccine, and veganism.
According to Pfizer, this vaccine does not contain animal products. Unlike some other vaccines, this vaccine is produced without having to grow the virus in eggs or biological samples (such as cells originating from dogs).
The definition of veganism recognises that it is not always possible or practicable to avoid animal use, which is particularly relevant to medical situations. In the case of Covid-19, scientists (and world leaders) recognise that vaccination will play a fundamental role in tackling the pandemic and saving lives.
At the end of the day, as there is no plan for compulsory vaccination, it is the responsibility of each individual to make an informed decision about vaccines, bearing in mind the definition of veganism, and your own beliefs, while respecting the science.
Speaking about the vaccine, vegan Dr Bitterman said that there was, of course, animal testing — as with any other medical product. But it’s important to note that all medications currently go through animal testing. As all vaccines currently are tested on animals, at this stage it is impossible to have a vaccine that has been created without animal use.
Speaking specifically about the Pfizer vaccine, vegan Dr Bitterman said that 106 animals in total were used in testing — this breaks down into 64 mice and 42 macaque monkeys.
He believes refusing to take the vaccine on animal testing grounds is not proactive and shouldn’t be a stance a vegan should opt to take. He explains why:
“Number one, you’re not creating more demand, so it’s not like when you look at cosmetic products,” he said. “If you purchase a cosmetic product that’s been tested a company that tests on animals, they have a tendency to say ‘okay we’re going to have our sales, and then we’re going to have another product that we’re going to put in the line once the sales peter out…and then we’re going to test on more animals.
“This is not how it works in pre-clinical testing for approved pharmaceuticals. The testing is already done. You taking the vaccine is not going to encourage anyone else to test this vaccine on further animals.
“I’m not going to defend animal testing. I think it is unfortunate what happened to those animals. In many cases, if not all, the animals are euthanised…however, if you contrast that to the number of people saved, and the expected number of people saved, it’s astronomical.”
The vaccines are safe, proving effective, and should bring an end to the pandemic that’s brought turmoil to the world for one year now.
In addition, we must not forget the link between eating animals and outbreaks of diseases like Covid-19. Humans’ unhealthy demand for meat, eggs, and dairy means that huge numbers of animals are slaughtered in intensive confinement inside giant, filthy sheds, crammed into crowded lorries, soaked with blood, urine, and other bodily fluids. These conditions are breeding grounds for new strains of dangerous bacteria and viruses.
For us humans, to keep yourself and others as fit and healthy as possible – and allow you to continue advocating for animals, veganism, boosting the health for all through plant based choices, the vegan world recognises it is important to follow the advice of your health-care provider on taking a medicine and vaccines.
* The author is an expert in vegan wellbeing and health. Instagram handle: @Ghanim92
