These are
the active ingredients within a vaccine are that are derived from pathogens and
these components are often the whole pathogen, parts of the pathogen, or
products made by the pathogen (1). They allow the body to recognize that
something is foreign in order to induce an immune response (2). Vaccines may monovalent,
meaning they contain a single strain of a single antigen, or polyvalent,
meaning they contain two or more strains or serotypes of the same antigen. Within
a single vaccine multiple antigens that prevent different diseases can be
combined into a single injection, this is useful to overcome difficulties with
storing, transporting, and processing. It also helps decrease the number of needle
injections a child needs, helping their fear of needles and the pain (3).
Resources:
- 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
- World Health Organization. (n.d.). Components of a Vaccine.
Retrieved April 29, 2020, from https://vaccine-safety-training.org/vaccine-components.html
- World Health Organization. (n.d.). Types of Vaccine.
Retrieved April 29, 2020, from https://vaccine-safety-training.org/types-of-vaccine.html
