Adjuvants
increase the efficacy of vaccines when they are added because they help induce
a better immune response (4). This means they also decrease the number doses
required to obtain protective immunity (2). Adjuvants also allow developers to
decrease the number of antigens being used, which in some cases can be
expensive or in short supply (3).
Vaccines
that contain only small components of the pathogen, such protein-based
vaccines, rather than the entire pathogen, such as in a live attenuated
vaccine, adjuvants are added in order to aid the person in creating a stronger
immune response (1). This is beneficial certain population such as people with
compromised immune systems, the elderly and the very young because their immune
systems may need an extra boost in order to provide the protection they need (3).
However, adjuvants may cause local reactions such as redness, swelling, and
pain at the injection sit and even more systematic reactions such as fever,
chills, and body aches. Even with these minor side effects adjuvants have been
used safely in vaccines for many years because they have been tested for safety
and effectiveness in clinical trials before being licensed for use in the US
and are continuously monitored by CDC and FDA even after approval (1).
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018, October
24). Adjuvants help vaccines work better. Retrieved April 29, 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/concerns/adjuvants.html
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. (2014, November 4). About this Section.
Retrieved April 29, 2020, from https://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/vaccine-education-center/vaccine-ingredients
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. (2019,
July 2). Vaccine Adjuvants. Retrieved April 29, 2020, from https://www.niaid.nih.gov/research/vaccine-adjuvants
- World Health Organization. (n.d.). Components of a Vaccine. Retrieved April 29, 2020, from https://vaccine-safety-training.org/vaccine-components.html
