Question

• Discuss the different types of vaccines. Be sure to include the advantages and disadvantages of each type.

o Attenuated

o    Heat Killed

o    Subunit

o    Toxoid

o    DNA

Answer 1

There are various types of vaccines depending upon their sources, process of making and their chemical nature. Some of them given here are

ATTENUATED

In this types of vaccines, the micro organisms are weakened so that they are weak enough not to be able to cause the disease in humans.

Advantages:These are advantageous in organisms which can’t provoke an immune response after they are dead. Also there is no need of booster dose in these kind of vaccines.

Disadvantages: The disadvantage with this type of vaccine is that there is a slight chance that the organism can regain it’s potency to cause a disease and may cause the disease in the individual instead of providing immunity. The chances are higher with individuals who are having an already weakened immune system. So the weakened immune system will not be able to produce antibodies and instead succumb to the infection.

HEAT KILLED

In this type of vaccines the micro organisms are killed using heat and then introduced into our body.

Advantages: There is no risk of getting disease as the organism is already killed.

Disadvantages: They provide weaker immune response and require periodic booster doses.

SUBUNIT

Only a part or portion of an organism is used here. They uses adjuvants for increased effectiveness of the vaccine.

advantages: These are safer than attenuated vaccines as there is no chance of getting disease.

Disadvantages: Development takes longer than others type of vaccines. These type of vaccines require periodic booster doses.

TOXOID

The toxins are isolated from the organism, inactivated and then introduced into the body as a vaccine. The toxins are converted into toxoids after the inactivation. Hence named toxoid vaccines.

Advantages: There is no risk of developing the disease as organisms are not introduced into the body.

Disadvantages: Their duration of effect is less and requires booster doses.

DNA

The DNA that codes for important antigens are used as a vaccine.

These are still in experimental stages and require further studies to be fully implemented.

Advantages: These can be produced quickly and stored easily.

disadvantages: The absorption of DNA into the cells is required for the vaccine to work and it is not an easy process.

This is a brief discussion on the different types of vaccines, their advantages and disadvantages. Hope this helps you out. Please feel free to give a like and contact us if you need further detailed explanation. Thank you and have a great day.