Vaccine ingredients

Vaccine ingredients are the substances that make up vaccines. They include antigens, adjuvants, preservatives, stabilizers, residuals, and diluents. Each of these ingredients serves a specific purpose and is essential for the vaccine's effectiveness and safety.

Antigens

Antigens are the active ingredients in vaccines that stimulate the body's immune response. They are usually weakened or killed forms of the virus or bacteria against which the vaccine is designed to protect.

Adjuvants

Adjuvants are substances that enhance the body's immune response to the antigen. They help to ensure that the vaccine is effective and that the immunity lasts for a long time.

Preservatives

Preservatives are added to vaccines to prevent the growth of bacteria or fungi that could contaminate the vaccine. They are especially important in multi-dose vials, which are opened and used multiple times.

Stabilizers

Stabilizers are used to protect the vaccine from adverse conditions such as heat, light, and humidity. They help to ensure that the vaccine remains effective during storage and transport.

Residuals

Residuals are small amounts of substances that remain in the vaccine from the manufacturing process. They are usually removed during the purification process, but trace amounts may remain.

Diluents

Diluents are liquids used to dilute a vaccine to the correct concentration. They are usually sterile water or saline.

Safety of Vaccine Ingredients

All vaccine ingredients are tested for safety. The amounts of each ingredient are carefully controlled to ensure that they are safe and effective. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reviews and approves all vaccines and their ingredients before they can be used.

See Also

• Vaccine
• Immunization
• Vaccine safety
• Vaccine development

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