Question

Outline the process of producing vaccines. Write a mini essay on vaccination, detailing the principle of vaccination preparation, development of new vaccines, the routes of administration and side effects. Briefly touch on vaccine controversy.

Answer 1

Vaccine production:

Different methods are used for producing vaccines, depending on the type of infectious agent. Basic process of vaccine production involves:

A). Inactivation: it involves antigen preparation.

B). Purification: Antigen which was prepared is isolated and purified.

C). Formulation: the purified antigen is combined with stabilizers,preservatives and adjuvants. Vaccines can also prepared from attenuated viruses which stimulate the production of antigens in the body.

Development of new vaccines: Vaccines are being produced for most of the diseases and have proved to be highly efficient and effective in preventing the diseases. Any new vaccine produced is tested and must undergo a proper clinical test for efficacy and safety as well. The formation of new vaccines has given high hopes of wiping out numerous diseases.

Routes of Administration: As prescribed vaccine can be administered through routes like intramuscular, intravenous, sub-cutaneous etc. It can also be administered orally and intradermaly

Safety concerns and controversies: various adverse effects may be there in vaccination. Earlier there were many side effects caused because of vaccination. Polio vaccine prepared from attenuated viruses and if it is not attenuated properly, it may cause polio upon administration. There have been many comapaigns against polio vaccination as well. There were numerous controversies regarding the smallpox vaccine, various other vaccines and also antitoxins. Many religious objections are also there but currently there is very little religious objection.