Can PFAS exposure reduce a baby'\''s immune response to vaccines?

What's actually in it

PFAS cross the placenta and appear in breast milk. Infants accumulate PFAS from multiple routes before their immune systems are fully developed. PFAS are known immune disruptors: they reduce the number and activity of immune cells and alter how the body responds to infections and vaccines.

This is a direct, measurable real-world consequence of PFAS exposure: vaccines that should provide protection may not work as well in children with higher PFAS body burden.

What the research says

A 2026 study measuring serum PFAS and infant measles antibody concentrations found that infants with higher PFAS blood levels had lower measles antibody concentrations before the MMR booster dose. The study found a dose-response relationship: more PFAS, fewer antibodies.

This builds on earlier research showing PFAS reduce antibody responses to diphtheria, tetanus, and flu vaccines in children. The immune suppression effect of PFAS is well-documented across multiple vaccine types and age groups.

Reducing maternal PFAS exposure before and during pregnancy lowers the amount transferred to the infant via placenta and breast milk. Replacing nonstick cookware, choosing PFAS-free food packaging, and filtering drinking water are the main household sources you can control.