List of vaccine excipients

List of Vaccine Excipients

Vaccine excipients are substances that are included in vaccines to improve their effectiveness. They can include adjuvants, which enhance the body's immune response to the vaccine, preservatives, which prevent contamination, and stabilizers, which keep the vaccine potent during transportation and storage. This article provides a list of common vaccine excipients.

Adjuvants

Adjuvants are substances that are added to vaccines to enhance the body's immune response to the vaccine. They can stimulate the immune system to respond more vigorously to the vaccine, resulting in a stronger and longer-lasting immunity.

Examples of adjuvants include:

• Aluminum salts: These are the most commonly used adjuvants in vaccines. They can stimulate the immune system and prolong the release of the antigen.

• MF59: This is an oil-in-water emulsion that is used in some influenza vaccines. It can enhance the immune response and provide a broader protection against different strains of the virus.

Preservatives

Preservatives are substances that are added to vaccines to prevent contamination by bacteria or fungi. They are especially important in multi-dose vials, which can be contaminated each time a dose is drawn.

Examples of preservatives include:

• Thimerosal: This is a mercury-containing compound that is used in some vaccines to prevent bacterial and fungal contamination.

• Phenoxyethanol: This is a preservative that is used in some vaccines to prevent bacterial contamination.

Stabilizers

Stabilizers are substances that are added to vaccines to keep them potent during transportation and storage. They can prevent the vaccine from losing its effectiveness due to heat, light, acidity, or humidity.

Examples of stabilizers include:

• Sugars: These can protect the vaccine from damage due to freezing or drying.

• Amino acids: These can protect the vaccine from damage due to heat or light.

• Proteins: These can protect the vaccine from damage due to acidity or humidity.

See also

• Vaccine
• Immunization
• Vaccine schedule
• Vaccine controversy