MODULE 2: Types of vaccine and adverse reactions

MODULE 2
Types of vaccine
and adverse reactions
 MODULE 2: Types of vaccine and adverse reactions

Overview
There are many types of vaccines. Different types or formulations affect how they are used, how they are
stored, and how they are administered. If they are to be safe and effective, it is vital to be familiar with the
different types and to know how to handle them.
Different vaccines can cause different adverse reactions, and it is important to recognize what these may
be. Can you identify the contraindications for vaccination and know which present an additional risk?
What special considerations should you make when immunizing pregnant women or immunocompro-
mised clients?
This module will explain the different types of vaccine and the main routes of administration. You will
learn about the main vaccine reactions and the importance of understanding contraindications – as ignor-
ing these could lead to vaccine reactions. Finally, you will look at public concern over vaccines and consider
some rumours about vaccine safety that have been disproved by research.

Module outcomes
By the end of this module you should be able to:

1 Explain the modes of action of live attenuated vaccines, conjugate vaccines, subunit vaccines, and
toxoid vaccines,
2 List types of vaccine components, including adjuvants and preservatives, and explain their
functions,
3 Explain the difference between live attenuated and inactivated vaccines,
4 Identify the contraindications for vaccination that may present an additional risk.

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 MODULE 2: Types of vaccine and adverse reactions

Types of vaccine
In module 1 we have learned that vaccines are used to prevent serious illnesses and that regulatory authori-
ties have strict requirements for safety before they are approved for use.
Vaccines require rigorous follow-up once approved for use to assess types and rates of adverse events. The
development of more effective and even safer vaccines as well as developing vaccines for more diseases
that are serious is always ongoing.
There are many types of vaccines, categorized by the antigen used in their preparation. Their formulations
affect how they are used, how they are stored, and how they are administered. The globally recommended
vaccines discussed in this module fall into four main types.

Types of Vaccine

Live attenuated (LAV)

– Tuberculosis (BCG)
– Oral polio vaccine (OPV)
– Measles
– Rotavirus
– Yellow fever

Inactivated (killed antigen)

– Whole-cell pertussis (wP)

– Inactivated polio virus (IPV)

Subunit (purified antigen)

– Acellular pertussis (aP),

– Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib),
– Pneumococcal (PCV-7, PCV-10, PCV-13)
– Hepatitis B (HepB)

Toxoid (inactivated toxins)

– Tetanus toxoid (TT),

– Diphteria toxoid

Mono and polyvalent vaccines

Vaccines may be monovalent or polyvalent. A monovalent vaccine contains a single strain of a single
antigen (e.g. Measles vaccine), whereas a polyvalent vaccine contains two or more strains/serotypes of
the same antigen (e.g. OPV).

Combination vaccines
Some of the antigens above can be combined in a single injection that can prevent different diseases or that
protect against multiple strains of infectious agents causing the same disease (e.g. combination vaccine
DPT combining diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus antigens). Combination vaccines can be useful to over-
come logistic constraints of multiple injections, and accommodate for a children’s fear of needles and pain.

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 MODULE 2: Types of vaccine and adverse reactions

Live attenuated vaccines

Available since the 1950s, live attenuated vaccines (LAV) are derived from dis- BACTERIA
ease- causing pathogens (virus or bacteria) that have been weakened under Tuberculosis (BCG)
laboratory conditions. They will grow in a vaccinated individual, but because
they are weak, they will cause no or very mild disease. VIRUS
Oral polio vaccine (OPV)
Measles
Immune response Rotavirus
Yellow fever
LAVs stimulate an excellent immune response that is nearly as good as com-
pared to an infection with the wild-type pathogen.
Live microorganisms provide continual antigenic stimulation giving sufficient time for memory cell
production.
In the case of viruses or intracellular microorganisms where cell-mediated immunity is usually desired,
attenuated pathogens are capable of replicating within host cells.

Safety and stability

Since LAVs contain living organisms, there is a degree of unpredictability raising some safety and stability
concerns.
■■ Attenuated pathogens have the very rare potential to revert to a pathogenic form and cause dis-
ease in vaccinees or their contacts. Examples for this are the very rare, serious adverse events of:
–– vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis (VAPP) and
–– disease-causing vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) associated with oral polio vaccine (OPV).
■■ Functional immune systems eliminate attenuated pathogens in their immune response. Indi-
viduals with compromised immune systems, such as HIV-infected patients may not be able to
respond adequately to the attenuated antigens.
■■ Sustained infection, for example tuberculosis (BCG) vaccination can result in local lymphadeni-
tis or a disseminated infection.
■■ If the vaccine is grown in a contaminated tissue culture it can be contaminated by other viruses
(e.g. retro viruses with measles vaccine).
■■ As a precaution, LAVs tend not to be administered during pregnancy. However, the actual
potential for fetal damage remains theoretical. For example, numerous studies have demon-
strated that accidental rubella vaccination during pregnancy did not result in an increased risk
of birth defects.
■■ LAVs can have increased potential for immunization errors:
–– Some LAVs come in lyophilized (powder) form. They must be reconstituted with a specific
diluent before administration, which carries the potential for programmatic errors if the
wrong diluent or a drug is used.
–– Many LAVs require strict attention to the cold chain for the vaccine to be active and are
subject to programme failure when this is not adhered to.

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 MODULE 2: Types of vaccine and adverse reactions

IMMUNE RESPONSE SAFETY AND STABILITY

w Live microorganisms provide w Attenuated pathogens can revert
continual antigenic stimulation, to original form and cause disease.
giving sufficient time for
memory cell production. w Potential harm to individuals
with compromised immune
w Attenuated pathogens are capable systems (eg. HIV).
of replicating within host cells.
w Sustained infection
(BCG - local lymphadenitis).
Excellent immune response
w Contamination of tissue culture.
w Immunization errors
(Reconstitution, cold chain).
w Usually not given in pregnancy
Less safe compared
to inactivated vaccines

Adverse reactions associated with LAVs

Five vaccines that are recommended by WHO are produced using LAV technology which are displayed in
the table below:
■■ Tuberculosis (BCG),
■■ Oral Polio Vaccine,
■■ Measles,
■■ Rotavirus,
■■ Yellow Fever.

The table lists the rare, more severe adverse reactions of these vaccines. Note the frequency of the adverse
reactions to get an idea of how low or high the possibility of an adverse event is. Also read the Comments
to understand additional context details on the adverse events.*

Question 1*
Which of the following statements is correct (Several answers possible see also table on next
page):

❒❒ A. Febrile seizures are an uncommon reaction to vaccination with measles.

❒❒ B. Compared to giving the first dose of measles vaccine, allergic reactions are less likely
to occur during the second dose of measles vaccine.
❒❒ C. Live vaccines include BCG, Measles, Rotavirus, Pertussis vaccine and Yellow fever
vaccine.
❒❒ D. Vaccine associated paralytic poliomyelitis occurs very rarely among vaccines
(2 – 4 cases per 1,000,000 vaccinated persons).

* The answer to all questions can be found at the end of this manual (page 202).

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 MODULE 2: Types of vaccine and adverse reactions

Five WHO recommended vaccines using LAV technology

Rare, more severe
Vaccine Frequency Comment
adverse reactions

Almost exclusively occurs in inad-

very rare
Fatal dissemination of vertently immunized persons with
at 0.000019 – 
BCG infection severely compromised cellular
B AC T E R I A

0.000159%
immunity.
Tuberculosis (BCG)28
In the past BCG osteitis has been
reported in connection with
BCG osteitis very rare
certain vaccine batches but now
occurs very rarely.

Vaccine- associated
very rare An essential component of the
Oral polio vaccine paralytic poliomyelitis
at 0.0002 –  global polio eradication campaign
(OPV)29 (VAPP) in vaccinees
0.0004% despite adverse reactions.
and their contacts

uncommon Adverse reactions, with the

Febrile seizures
at 0.3% exception of allergic anaphylactic
reactions, are less likely to occur
Thrombocytopenic very rare after receipt of the second dose of
purpura at 0.03% measles vaccine.
Measles 31

Allergic reactions to vaccine com-

very rare ponents including neomycin and
Anaphylaxis
at 0.001% the stabilizers gelatine or sorbitol,
may follow vaccination.

To date, post-licensure surveil-

lance does not indicate any
VIRAL

increased risk of intussusception

Rotavirus61 None reported to WHO –
or other serious adverse reaction
associated with the use of current
rotavirus vaccines.

Sensitivity to egg, which is

Hypersensitivity commonly used to stabilize the
very rare
reactions vaccine, may explain at least
some of these cases.

Infants seem more susceptible to

Vaccine- associated
vaccine-associated neurotropic
Yellow fever (YF)62 neurotropic disease very rare
disease than the YF-vaccinated
(encephalitis)
population at large.

The elderly seem more suscep-

very rare in
Vaccine- associated tible to reaction (very rare at
children at
viscerotropic disease 0.04 – 0.05%) than the YF-vacci-
0.00001%
nated population at large.

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 MODULE 2: Types of vaccine and adverse reactions

Inactivated whole-cell vaccines

Inactivated vaccines are made from microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, other) BACTERIA
that have been killed through physical or chemical processes. These killed Whole-cell pertussis (wP)
organisms cannot cause disease.
VIRUS
Inactivated polio virus (IPV)
Immune response
■■ Inactivated whole-cell vaccines may not always induce an immune response and the response
may not be long lived.
■■ Several doses of inactivated whole-cell vaccines may be required to evoke a sufficient immune
response.

Safety and stability

■■ Inactivated whole-cell vaccines have no risk of inducing the disease they are given against as
they do not contain live components.
■■ They are considered more stable than LAV vaccines.

The table lists the rare, more severe adverse reactions of these vaccines. Note the frequency of the adverse
reactions to get an idea of how low or high the possibility of an adverse event is. Also read the Comments
to understand additional context details on the adverse events.

IMMUNE RESPONSE SAFETY AND STABILITY

w May not always induce an immune w
response at first dose. no risk of inducing the disease.
w Response may not be long-lived, w
requiring several doses of vaccine.
Excellent stability profile
Less strong immune response
compared to live vaccines

Adverse reactions associated with inactivated whole-cell vaccines

Rare, more severe
Vaccine Frequency Comment
adverse reactions

Prolonged crying Minor adverse reactions such as local red-

and seizures are less than 1% ness and swelling, fever and agitation are
uncommon very common with wP vaccines (10 – 50%).
B AC T E R I A

Pertussis Although mild with no lasting effect, these

(wP)30 reactions have affected the acceptance of
Hypotonic, hypore-
less than wP vaccine in some populations. All wP (or
sponsive episodes
0.1 – 0.2% DTwP) vaccines contain aluminium salt as
(HHE) are rare
adjuvant and in some cases thiomersal as
preservative.

Many high-income countries have switched

Vaccine-associated
Inactivated from OPV to IPV, as IPV is considered safer.
VIRAL

paralytic poliomyelitis
polio vaccine None known IPV is more expensive than OPV and an
(VAPP) in vaccinees
(IPV)29 injectable vaccine. Many lower- and middle-
and their contacts
income countries use OPV.

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 MODULE 2: Types of vaccine and adverse reactions

Question 2*
Which of the following statements is incorrect?

❒❒ A. Inactivated whole-cell vaccines contain “killed” pathogens.

❒❒ B. Inactivated whole-cell vaccines can be considered safer than live vaccines, particularly
when used in vulnerable groups (immunocompromised persons).
❒❒ C. Inactivated whole-cell vaccines can be considered more effective compared to live
vaccines.
❒❒ D. Inactivated whole-cell vaccines should not be seen as ineffective – the immunization
schedule foresees repeated doses to ensure adequate immune responses in patients.

Subunit vaccines
Immune response
■■ Subunit vaccines, like inactivated whole-cell vaccines do not contain live
Protein-based
components of the pathogen. They differ from inactivated whole-cell vac-
cines, by containing only the antigenic parts of the pathogen. These parts
Polysaccharide
are necessary to elicit a protective immune response.
■■ This precision comes at a cost, as antigenic properties of the various poten- Conjugate
tial subunits of a pathogen must be examined in detail to determine which
particular combinations will produce an effective immune response within the correct pathway.
■■ Often a response can be elicited, but there is no guarantee that immunological memory will be
formed in the correct manner.

Safety and stability

Like inactivated vaccines, subunit vaccines do not contain live components and are considered as very safe.

IMMUNE RESPONSE SAFETY AND STABILITY

w Must determine which combination w
of antigenic properties will produce no risk of inducing the disease.

the correct pathway. w

w Excellent stability profile
with no guarantee that memory will
form for future responses.

Less strong immune response

compared to LAVs

* The answer to all questions can be found at the end of this manual (page 202).

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 MODULE 2: Types of vaccine and adverse reactions

Key point
Rather than introducing a whole-cell vaccine (either inactivated or attenuated) to an immune
system, a subunit vaccine contains a fragment of the pathogen and elicits an appropriate
immune response.

Subunit vaccines can be further categorized into:

■■ Protein-based subunit vaccines,
■■ Polysaccharide vaccines,
■■ Conjugate subunit vaccines.

Protein-based subunit vaccines

Protein based subunit vaccines present an antigen to the BACTERIA
immune system without viral particles, using a specific, iso- Acellular pertussis (aP)
Protein-based
lated protein of the pathogen. A weakness of this technique
VIRUS
is that isolated proteins, if denatured, may bind to different Hepatitis B (HepB)
Polysaccharide
antibodies than the protein of the pathogen.
Commonly used protein-based subunit vaccines are the Conjugate
following:
■■ Acellular pertussis (aP) vaccines contain inactivated pertussis toxin (protein) and may contain
one or more other bacterial components. The pertussis toxin is detoxified either by treatment
with a chemical or by using molecular genetic techniques.
■■ Hepatitis B vaccines are composed of the hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg), a protein
produced by hepatitis B virus. Earlier vaccine products were produced using purified plasma
of infected individuals. This production method has been replaced by recombinant technology
that can produce HBsAg without requiring human plasma increasing the safety of the vaccine
by excluding the risk from potential contamination of human plasma.
The table lists the rare, more severe adverse reactions of these vaccines. Note the frequency of the adverse
reactions to get an idea of how low or high the possibility of an adverse event is. Also read the Comments
to understand additional context details on the adverse events.

Adverse reactions associated with subunit protein-based vaccines

Rare, more severe
Vaccine Comment
adverse reactions
B AC T E R I A

Acellular Same as tetanus and Acellular pertussis-containing vaccines are less reactogenic
pertussis diphtheria toxoid in terms of mild-to-moderate reactions than wP-containing
(aP)30 vaccines. vaccines. See “More about Pertussis vaccine”.
VIRAL

Hepatitis B
Very rare Reports of severe anaphylactic reactions are very rare.
(HepB)63

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 MODULE 2: Types of vaccine and adverse reactions

More about Pertussis vaccine

Both acellular (aP) and whole-cell pertussis (wP) vaccines are safe and effective. In terms of rare, more severe
adverse reactions, aP and wP vaccines appear to have the same high level of safety. However, mild-to-moderate
adverse reactions are more commonly associated with wP vaccines, and tend to increase with client age and the
number of injections. This is why wP vaccines are not recommended for use in adolescents and adults where aP
vaccines rather come to use.

Because the price of wP is considerably less than aP, where resources are limited and the vaccine is well accept-
ed by the local population, wP vaccine remains the vaccine of choice. In countries where a higher rate of adverse
reactions after immunization with wP prevents high vaccination coverage, aP is recommended instead, at least
for booster injections.30

More about Hepatitis B vaccines

The first available hepatitis B vaccines were plasma-derived, produced by harvesting hepatitis B surface antigen
(HBsAg) from the plasma of persons with chronic HBV infection. The particles are highly purified, and any residual
infectious particles are inactivated by various combinations of urea, pepsin, formaldehyde and heat. Although
concerns about transmission of bloodborne pathogens, including HIV, from plasma-derived vaccines have proven
to be unfounded, public concerns over the safety of the plasma-derived vaccine hampered its acceptance in many
populations. Therefore increased research efforts were made to develop a recombinant vaccine.

In 1986, a hepatitis B vaccine produced by recombinant technology was licensed, and a second followed in 1989.
The recombinant technology expressed HBsAg in other microorganisms and offered the potential to produce un-
limited supplies of vaccine.

Although both the plasma-derived and recombinant hepatitis B vaccines are safe and highly effective in protect-
ing against acute hepatitis disease as well as chronic disease, including cirrhosis and liver cancer, competition
among the various hepatitis B vaccine producers drove down the price (see figure). When the price of both the
plasma-derived and recombinant hepatitis B vaccines was relatively similar, the recombinant gradually replaced
the plasma-derived hepatitis B vaccine.

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 MODULE 2: Types of vaccine and adverse reactions

Polysaccharide vaccines
Some bacteria when infecting humans are often protected by a polysaccharide (sugar)
Protein-based
capsule that helps the organism evade the human defense systems especially in
infants and young children.
Polysaccharide
Polysaccharide vaccines create a response against the molecules in the pathogen’s
capsule. These molecules are small, and often not very immunogenic. As a conse- Conjugate
quence they tend to:
1. Not be effective in infants and young children (under 18–24 months),
2. Induce only short-term immunity (slow immune response, slow rise of antibody levels, no
immune memory).
Examples of polysaccharide vaccines include Meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis
groups A, C, W135 and Y, as well as Pneumococcal disease.

Conjugate subunit vaccines

Conjugate subunit vaccines also create a response against the
Protein-based
molecules in the pathogen’s capsule. In comparison to plain BACTERIA
polysaccharide vaccines, they benefit from a technology that Haemophilius
Polysaccharide influenzae type b (Hib),
binds the polysaccharide to a carrier protein that can induce Pneumococcal
a long-term protective response even in infants. Conjugate (PCV-7, PCV-10, PCV-13)

Various protein carriers are used for conjugation, including

diphtheria and tetanus toxoid. Conjugate subunit vaccines, can therefore prevent common bacterial infec-
tions for which plain polysaccharide vaccines are either ineffective in those most at risk (infants) or provide
only short-term protection (everyone else).
The advent of conjugate subunit vaccines heralded a new age for immunization against diseases caused by
encapsulated organisms such as meningococcus, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and pneumococcus.
WHO recommends that children receive Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and pneumococcal conjugate
vaccines. In addition, the meningococcal A vaccine introduced in Africa is also a conjugated subunit vaccine.

Adverse reactions associated with conjugate vaccines

Rare, more severe
Vaccine Comment
adverse reactions

Haemophilus influenzae Hib vaccine has not been associated with any rare,
None known
type b conjugate (Hib)65 more severe adverse reactions.
B AC T E R I A

Pneumococcal conjugate, PCV conjugate vaccines have not been associated

7-valent (PCV-7), with any rare, more severe adverse reactions. As with
None known
10-valent (PCV-10), the introduction of any new vaccine, continued sur-
13-valent (PCV-13)66 veillance for possible unexpected effects is important.

Key point
Conjugate vaccines can prevent common bacterial infections for which plain polysaccharide
vaccines are either ineffective in those most at risk (infants) or provide only short-term pro-
tection (everyone else).

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 MODULE 2: Types of vaccine and adverse reactions

Question 3*
Which of the following statements is incorrect:

❒❒ A. Polysacharide vaccines provoke an immune response against the polysaccharide

capsule.
❒❒ B. Conjugate vaccine binds the polysaccharide to a carrier protein.
❒❒ C. Polysacharide vaccines are targeted, but not very immunogenic. They induce only short-
term immunity. Polysacharide vaccines do not provoke a sufficient immune response in
infants and young children but can in adults.
❒❒ D. Measles vaccine is a typical example for a Conjugate vaccine that provides better pro-
tection for infants compared to a Polysaccharide vaccine.
❒❒ E. Conjugate vaccine is effective in those most at risk (infants) and provides longer term
protection (everyone else).

Toxoid vaccines
Toxoid vaccines are based on the toxin produced by certain bacteria (e.g. tetanus BACTERIA
or diphtheria). Tetanus toxoid (TT)
Diphtheria toxoid
The toxin invades the bloodstream and is largely responsible for the symptoms
of the disease. The protein-based toxin is rendered harmless (toxoid) and used
as the antigen in the vaccine to elicit immunity.
To increase the immune response, the toxoid is adsorbed to aluminium or calcium salts, which serve as
adjuvants.

Safety and stability

Toxoid vaccines are safe because they cannot cause the disease they prevent and there is no possibility of
reversion to virulence. The vaccine antigens are not actively multiplying and do not spread to unimmunized
individuals. They are stable, as they are less susceptible to changes in temperature, humidity and light.76

IMMUNE RESPONSE SAFETY AND STABILITY

w May require several doses and w Vaccine cannot cause disease it
usually need an adjuvant. prevents.

Not highly immunogenic

w Very rare local and systemic
reactions.
w Usually stable and long lasting.
Excellent stability profile

* The answer to all questions can be found at the end of this manual (page 202).

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 MODULE 2: Types of vaccine and adverse reactions

Adverse reactions associated with toxoid vaccines

Rare, more severe adverse
Vaccine Comment
reactions

Anaphylaxis (1 – 6 per million) and

Tetanus toxoid Local and systemic reactions increase with
brachial neuritis (5 – 10 per mil-
B AC T E R I A

(TT)66 increasing number of doses.

lion) are extremely rare

Diphtheria toxoid No anaphylactic reactions attributable to the

None known
(DT and Td)69 diphtheria component have been described.

Combination vaccines
Licensed combination vaccines undergo extensive testing before approval by national regulatory authori-
ties to assure that the products are safe, effective, and of acceptable quality.
Combination vaccines consist of two or more antigens in the same preparation. This approach has been
used for over 50 years in many vaccines such as DTwP and MMR. Combination products simplify vaccine
administration and allow for the introduction of new vaccines without requiring additional health clinic
visit and injections.
Potential advantages of combination vaccines include:
■■ Reducing the cost of stocking and administering separate vaccines,
■■ Reducing the cost of extra health care visits,
■■ Improving timeliness of vaccination (some parents and health-care providers object to adminis-
tering more than two or three injectable vaccines during a single visit because of a child’s fear of
needles and pain, and because of concerns regarding safety),
■■ Facilitating the addition of new vaccines into immunization programmes.

It is very important, however, that combination vaccines are carefully tested before introduction. For
instance, adjuvants in a combination vaccine could reduce the activity of one antigen and excessively
increase the reactivity of another antigen. There could also be interactions with other vaccine components
such as buffers, stabilizers and preservatives.
With all combinations, manufacturers must therefore evaluate the potency of each antigenic component,
the effectiveness of the vaccine components when combined to induce immunity, risk of possible reversion
to toxicity, and reaction with other vaccine components.

Key point
No evidence exists that the administration of several antigens in combined vaccines over-
whelms the immune system, which has the capability of responding to many millions of
antigens at a time. Combining antigens usually does not increase the risk of adverse reactions.
In fact, it can lead to an overall reduction in adverse reactions.
With all combinations, manufacturers must, however, evaluate the potency of each antigenic
component, the effectiveness of the vaccine components when combined to induce immunity,
risk of possible reversion to toxicity, and reaction with other vaccine components.

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 MODULE 2: Types of vaccine and adverse reactions

Question 4*
Can you identify which five antigens are included in the pentavalent vaccine
DTwPHepBHib?

Components of a vaccine*
Vaccines include a variety of ingredients including antigens, stabilizers, adjuvants, antibiotics, and
preservatives.
They may also contain residual by-products from the production process. Knowing precisely what is in
each vaccine can be helpful when investigating adverse events following immunization (AEFIs) and for
choosing alternative products for those who have allergies or have had an adverse event known or sus-
pected to be related to a vaccine component.

Antigens
Antigens are the components derived from the structure of disease-causing organisms, which are recog-
nized as ‘foreign’ by the immune system and trigger a protective immune response to the vaccine.
You have already learned about antigens on the chapter “Types of vaccine“.

Stabilizers
Stabilizers are used to help the vaccine maintain its effectiveness during storage. Vaccine stability is
essential, particularly where the cold chain is unreliable. Instability can cause loss of antigenicity and
decreased infectivity of LAV. Factors affecting stability are temperature and acidity or alkalinity of the
vaccine (pH). Bacterial vaccines can become unstable due to hydrolysis and aggregation of protein and
carbohydrate molecules. Stabilizing agents include MgCl2 (for OPV), MgSO4 (for measles), lactose-sorbitol
and sorbitol-gelatine.

Adjuvants
Adjuvants are added to vaccines to stimulate the production of antibodies against the vaccine to make it
more effective.
Adjuvants have been used for decades to improve the immune response to vaccine antigens, most often
in inactivated (killed) vaccines. In conventional vaccines, adding adjuvants into vaccine formulations is
aimed at enhancing, accelerating and prolonging the specific immune response to vaccine antigens. Newly
developed purified subunit or synthetic vaccines using biosynthetic, recombinant, and other modern tech-
nology are poor vaccine antigens and require adjuvants to provoke the desired immune response.
Chemically, adjuvants are a highly heterogeneous group of compounds with only one thing in common:
their ability to enhance the immune response. They are highly variable in terms of how they affect the
immune system and how serious their adverse reactions are, due to the resulting hyperactivation of the
immune system.

* The answer to all questions can be found at the end of this manual (page 202).

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 MODULE 2: Types of vaccine and adverse reactions

Today there are several hundred different types of adjuvants that are being used or studied in vaccine
technology.

Aluminium salts example

Aluminium salts are among the oldest adjuvants that are commonly used. They slow the escape of the antigen
from the site of injection thereby lengthening the duration of contact between the antigen and the immune sys-
tem (i.e. macrophages and other antigen-receptive cells).

Aluminium salts are generally recognized as safe, however, they can cause sterile abscesses and nodules at the
site of injection. The formation of a small granuloma is inevitable with alum-precipitated vaccines.

To ensure safe vaccination it is important that aluminium salts are administered intramuscularly and not subcutane-
ously. Subcutaneous administration can result in necrotic breakdown and cyst and abscess formation. To ensure
the proper handling of intramuscular injections, it is critical to ensure that vaccination staff has been well trained.

Antibiotics
Antibiotics (in trace amounts) are used during the manufacturing phase to prevent bacterial contami-
nation of the tissue culture cells in which the viruses are grown. Usually only trace amounts appear in
vaccines, for example, MMR vaccine and IPV each contain less than 25 micrograms of neomycin per dose
(less than 0.000025 g). Persons who are known to be allergic to neomycin should be closely observed after
vaccination so that any allergic reaction can treated at once.
■■ Used during the manufacturing phase to prevent bacterial contamination of tissue culture cells
in which viruses are grown,
■■ Usually only trace amounts appear in vaccines, for example, MMR and IPV vaccines each con-
tain less that 25 micrograms of neomycin per dose,
■■ Persons known to be allergic to neomycin should be closely observed after vaccination so any
allergic reaction can be immediately treated.

Preservatives
Preservatives are added to multidose vaccines to prevent bacterial and fungal growth. They include a
variety of substances, for example Thiomersal, Formaldehyde, or Phenol derivatives.

Thiomersal
■■ Very commomly used preservative. Thiomersal is an ethyl mercury-containing compound,
■■ It has been in use since the 1930ies and no harmful effects have been reported for doses used in
vaccination except for minor reactions (e.g. redness, swelling at injection site),
■■ It is used in multidose vials and for single dose vials in many countries as it helps reduce storage
requirements/costs,
■■ Thiomersal has been subjected to intense scrutiny, as it contains ethyl mercury. The Global
Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety continuously review the safety aspects of Thiomersal. So
far, there is no evidence of toxicity when exposed to Thiomersal in vaccines. Even trace amounts
of thiomersal seem to have no impact on the neurological development of infants.

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 MODULE 2: Types of vaccine and adverse reactions

Formaldehyde

■■ Used to inactivate viruses (e.g. IPV) and to detoxify bacterial toxins, such as the toxins used to
make diphtheria and tetanus vaccines,
■■ During production, a purification process removes almost all formaldehyde in vaccines,
■■ The amount of formaldehyde in vaccines is several hundred times lower than the amount known
to do harm to humans, even infants. E. g., DTP-HepB + Hib “5-in-1” vaccine contains less than
0.02% formaldehyde per dose, or less than 200 parts per million.*

Question 5*
Which of the following answers is incorrect?

❒❒ A. Thiomersal prevents bacterial growth and therefore make vaccines more durable,
which is particularly helpful for storing and use of multi-dose vials.
❒❒ B. Aluminium salts primarily serve to prevent bacterial contamination of tissue culture cells.
❒❒ C. Adjuvants serve to enhance the immune response.
❒❒ D. Stabilizers make a vaccine more stable towards temporary changes in temperature
and pH.

Route of administration
The route of administration is the path by which a vaccine (or drug) is brought into contact with the body.
This is a critical factor for success of the immunization. A substance must be transported from the site of
entry to the part of the body where its action is desired to take place. Using the body’s transport mecha-
nisms for this purpose, however, is not trivial.
Intramuscular (IM) injection administers the vaccine into the
muscle mass. Vaccines containing adjuvants should be injected
IM to reduce adverse local effects.
Subcutaneous (SC) injection administers the vaccine into the
subcutaneous layer above the muscle and below the skin.
Intradermal (ID) injection administers the vaccine in the top-
most layer of the skin. BCG is the only vaccine with this route of
administration. Intradermal injection of BCG vaccine reduces the
risk of neurovascular injury. Health workers say that BCG is the
most difficult vaccine to administer due to the small size of new-
borns’ arms. A short narrow needle (15 mm, 26 gauge) is needed for BCG vaccine. All other vaccines are
given with a longer, wider needle (commonly 25 mm, 23 gauge), either SC or IM.
Oral administration of vaccine makes immunization easier by eliminating the need for a needle and syringe.
Intranasal spray application of a vaccine offers a needle free approach through the nasal mucosa of the
vaccinee.

* The answer to all questions can be found at the end of this manual (page 202).

53
 MODULE 2: Types of vaccine and adverse reactions

Intranasal flu vaccine

In October 2000, an inactivated intranasal flu vaccine was licensed in Switzerland.
Results from a case control study and a case-series analysis indicated a significantly
increased risk of Bell’s palsy, a one-sided paralysis of facial muscles, developing after
intranasal immunization with the vaccine. Following spontaneous reports of Bell’s
palsy in vaccine recipients, the producer decided not to further market the vaccine.

As a result of the occurrence of Bell’s palsy, the Global Advisory Committee on

Vaccine Safety (GACVS) recommended additional caution for new intranasal vac-
cines under development and recommended that the follow-up period in the
context of clinical trials should be routinely extended to three months following
administration.

In 2003, a cold attenuated reassortant live intranasal vaccine was licensed in the
Bell’s palsy (a one-sided
US. This vaccine differs in formulation and manufacturing from adjuvanted inacti-
paralysis of facial muscles)
vated intranasal vaccine. Bell’s palsy was not observed in clinical trials of the cold
after intranasal immuniza-
attenuated reassortant live intranasal vaccine. As of 6 July 2006, with over four mil-
tion with the vaccine.
lion vaccine doses distributed, a total of five Bell’s palsy cases have been reported
to the adverse event reporting system of the US. A causal association between
these reported cases and the vaccine has not been established.

The GACVS continues to review the safety of vaccines administered by the intranasal route.

Routes of administration vary to maximize effectiveness of vaccine

Key point
Manufacturers usually recommend the route of administration that limits best adverse reac-
tions of the respective vaccine.

54
 MODULE 2: Types of vaccine and adverse reactions

Contraindications
A contraindication to vaccination is a rare condition in a recipient that increases the risk for a serious
adverse reaction. Ignoring contraindications can lead to avoidable vaccine reactions. Most contraindica-
tions are temporary, and the vaccination can be administered later.
The only contraindication applicable to all vaccines is a history of a severe allergic reaction after a prior
dose of vaccine or to a vaccine constituent. Precautions are not contraindications, but are events or condi-
tions to be considered in determining if the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the risks. Precautions stated
in product labelling can sometimes be inappropriately used as absolute contraindications, resulting in
missed opportunities to vaccinate.

Signs of allergic reactions

Vaccinating health workers should know the signs of allergic reactions and be prepared to take immediate action.

Contraindications to vaccines*
Anaphylaxis after
Severely
Childhood previous dose or
Pregnancy immuno- Comment
vaccine severe allergy to
compromised*
vaccine component
Further information available at http://
BCG28 who.int/vaccine_safety/committee/topics/
bcg/immunocompromised/Dec_2006/en/

DTwP30

DTaP30

OPV29

IPV29 CAVEAT: allergy to neomycin.

Severe allergy to gelatine is a contraindi-

Measles31
cation to vaccination with MMR vaccine.

HepB63

Rotavirus61

Hib65

PCV-766

CAVEAT: severe allergy to egg.

Yellow
Contraindicated in infants less than
fever62
6 months.

* Includes symptomatic HIV/AIDS (but for most LAV vaccines, asymptomatic or properly treated HIV infection is not a
contraindication).

55
 MODULE 2: Types of vaccine and adverse reactions

Key point
True contraindications are rare. Misconceptions about their frequency can lead to missed
opportunities to vaccinate and decrease immunization coverage, or conversely increase the
risk of adverse reactions, both of which reduce public confidence in the safety of the vaccine.

Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a very rare allergic reaction (one in a million vac-
The Brighton Collaboration case
cinees), unexpected, and can be fatal if not dealt with adequately. definition and guidelines for anaphy-
Vaccine antigens and com​pon​ents can cause this allergic reaction. laxis are available on their website:
These reactions can be local or systemic and can include mild-to-
brightoncollaboration.org
severe anaphylaxis or anaphylactic-like responses (e.g. ge​ne​ra​lized
urticaria or hives, wheezing, swelling of the mouth and throat,
breathing difficulties, hypotension and shock). Reports of anaphy-
laxis are less common in low- and middle-income countries compared to high-income countries, probably
because of reduced surveillance sensitivity and as the event may not be recognized (i.e. death attributed
to another factor).
Misdiagnosis of faints and other common causes of collapse, such as anaphylaxis, can lead to inappropriate
treatment (e.g. use of adrenaline and failure to recognize and treat other serious medical conditions).

WHO’s guidelines on recognition

Anaphylaxis of unknown cause and unrelated to vac- and treatment of anaphylaxis is in-
cluded in Annex C of Mass Measles
cines increases during adolescence, being more common
Immunization Campaigns: Report-
among girls. Vaccinators should be able to distinguish ing and investigating adverse events
anaphylaxis from fainting and vasovagal syncope (which following immunization.71
is also common in adolescents), as well as anxiety and vaccine-safety-training.org/
breath-holding spells, which are all common benign tl_files/vs/pdf/AEFI_mea-
adverse events. sles_campaigns.pdf

Distinguishing anaphylaxis from a fainting (vasovagal reaction)

Fainting Anaphylaxis

Usually at the time or soon after Usually some delay between 5 – 30 minutes
Onset
injection after injection

Symptoms

Red, raised, and itchy rash; swollen eyes, face;

Skin Pale, sweaty, cold and clammy
generalized rash

Noisy breathing from airways obstruction (wheeze

Respiratory Normal to deep breaths
or stridor

Bradycardia Tachycardia
Cardiovascular
Transient hypotension Hypotension

Gastrointestinal Nausea/Vomiting Abdominal cramps

Transient loss of consciousness,

Neurological Loss of consciousness, little response once prone
good response once prone

56
 MODULE 2: Types of vaccine and adverse reactions

Using adrenaline to treat anaphylaxis

Adrenaline stimulates the heart and reverses the spasm in the blood vessels and the lung passages, reduces
oedema and urticaria, thus countering the anaphylaxis. But this very potent agent can cause irregular
heartbeat, heart failure, severe hypertension and tissue necrosis if used inappropriately, although not when
treating true anaphylaxis.
The expiry date of adrenaline should be written on the outside of the emergency kit. Adrenaline that has
a brown tinge must be discarded.

Key point
Each vaccinator who is trained in the treatment of anaphylaxis should have rapid access to an
emergency kit with adrenaline, and be familiar with its dosage and administration.

Immunizing the immunocompromised

People may be immunocompromised due to HIV/AIDS, congenital immune deficiencies or drug treat-
ments such as chemotherapy for cancer and other conditions and high dose steroids.

Measles vaccination and HIV infection

Measles in children with HIV infection is more often severe and results in higher mortality. Infants born to HIV-
infected mothers are at higher risk for measles from 9 months of age.

Measles vaccines, a live attenuated vaccine, are among the most safe and effective vaccines. They should be
given routinely to potentially susceptible, asymptomatic, HIV-infected children, adolescents and young adults.
Only those with severe clinical symptoms of HIV infection are contraindicated for vaccination. These people often
do not develop a protective immune response and are at increased risk of severe complications.

Given the high risk of measles at 9 months of age, WHO recommends that infants infected with HIV receive an early
dose of measles vaccine at 6 months of age, followed by a routine dose at 9 months (or according to the routine
immunization schedule). Earlier age of vaccination is recommended because HIV-infected infants exhibit a better
seroconversion rate at 6 months than at 9 months of age, possibly because of increasing HIV-associated immunode-
ficiency with age.

HIV-infected infants vaccinated at 6 and 9 months should receive a third measles vaccination (or second opportu-
nity) to prevent the proportion of unprotected children in the population from reaching dangerous levels. Recent
studies suggest waning immunity among HIV-infected children, making this recommendation especially impor-
tant in regions with high HIV prevalence.31

The potential risks of live vaccines need to be weighed against the benefits in immunocompromised clients
who may be particularly vulnerable to the vaccine-preventable disease. Concerns are that they may not
respond adequately to subunit and inactivated vaccination and that LAV vaccines are potentially pathogenic.
Routine childhood vaccinations – except BCG vacci​na​ti​on72 – are not contraindicated in children with
asympto​ma​tic HIV-infection; however, timing of vaccination may be earlier or more frequent in this
subgroup.
In symptomatic HIV/AIDS, LAV vaccines are contraindicated, e.g. measles and yellow fever vaccines
should not be given.

57
 MODULE 2: Types of vaccine and adverse reactions

BCG vaccination for infants at risk for HIV infection

As in infants symptoms of HIV-infection rarely appear before several months of age, BCG vaccination should be
administered to those infants regardless of HIV exposure, especially considering the high endemicity of tubercu-
losis in populations with high HIV prevalence.

Close follow-up of infants known to be born to HIV-infected mothers and who received BCG at birth is recom-
mended in order to provide early identification and treatment of any BCG-related complication.

In settings with adequate HIV services that could allow for early identification and administration of antiretroviral
therapy to HIV-infected children, consideration should be given to delaying BCG vaccination in infants born to
mothers known to be infected with HIV until these infants are confirmed to be HIV negative.

Infants who demonstrate signs or reported symptoms of HIV-infection and who are born to women
known to have HIV infection should not be vaccinated.

Immunization and pregnancy

Key point
No evidence exists of risk from vaccinating pregnant women with inactivated virus
or bacterial vaccines or toxoids.

Influenza
Inactivated influenza vaccine is now recommended for pregnant
women in many industrialized countries because of evidence of ben-
efit to the mother and the infant. LAV vaccines pose a theoretical risk
to the fetus and are generally contraindicated in pregnant women.
An additional vaccination recommended for pregnant women is
seasonal inactivated influenza vaccine. It is considered safe and is
recommended for all pregnant women during the influenza season.
This recommendation is motivated not only by the potential severe
course of influenza during pregnancy, but also to protect infants against influenza during their vulnerable
first months of life73. WHO’s Strategic Advisory Committee of WHO
SAGE Meetings: Information related
(SAGE) has recently discussed seasonal influenza vaccination and
to influenza immunization:
recommended pregnant women as the most important risk group
for seasonal influenza vaccination. SAGE also supported the recom- http://who.int/influenza/vac-
mendation, in no particular order of priority, of vaccination of the cines/SAGE_information
following targeted populations: 77

■■ Healthcare workers,
■■ Children 6 to 59 months of age,
■■ The elderly,
■■ Those with high-risk conditions.

58
 MODULE 2: Types of vaccine and adverse reactions

Tetanus
Worldwide, all countries are committed to “elimination” of maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT), i.e. a
reduction of neonatal tetanus incidence to below one case per 1000 live births per year in every district.
As of 2012, 35 countries have yet to eliminate MNT.
All women of childbearing age, either during pregnancy or outside of pregnancy, should be vaccinated
against tetanus to protect themselves and their newborn babies. Neonatal tetanus is almost always fatal
and is completely preventable by ensuring that pregnant women are protected through vaccination.
Benefits of vaccinating pregnant women usually outweigh potential risks when the likelihood of disease
exposure is high, when infection would pose a risk to the mother or fetus, and when the vaccine is unlikely
to cause harm. This should be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Tetanus toxoid vaccine example

Tetanus is caused by bacteria that enter the body through open wounds. The bacteria cause an increased tighten-
ing of muscles, resulting in spasms, stiffness, and arching of the spine. Ultimately, breathing becomes more dif-
ficult, and spasms occur more frequently.

People of all ages can get tetanus. But the disease is particularly common and serious in newborn babies. This
is called neonatal tetanus. Most infants who get the disease die. Neonatal tetanus is particularly common in rural
areas where most deliveries are at home without adequate sterile procedures. WHO estimated that neonatal
tetanus killed about 128,000 babies in 2004.74

Tetanus can be prevented by immunizing women of childbearing age with tetanus toxoid, either during pregnancy or
before pregnancy. This protects the mother and – through a transfer of tetanus antibodies to the fetus – also her baby.

People who recover from tetanus do not have natural immunity and can be infected again and therefore need to
be immunized. To be protected throughout life, an individual should receive three doses of DTP in infancy, fol-
lowed by a booster containing tetanus toxoid (TT) – at school-entry age (4–7 years), in adolescence (12–15 years),
and in early adulthood.

The table below demonstrates the duration of protection against tetanus in women who missed the TT vaccina-
tion as infants and then received catch-up immunization during their childbearing years (usually taken to be from
15 to 49 years).

Duration of protection in women after 1–5 doses of TT vaccine

Dose (0.5ml) When given Duration of protections

At first contact with women of childbearing age,

TT1 No protection
or as early as possible in the pregnancy

TT2 At least 4 weeks after TT1 3 years

TT3 At least 6 months after TT2 5 years

TT4 At least 1 year after TT3 10 years

TT5 At least 1 year after TT4 All childbearing years

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 MODULE 2: Types of vaccine and adverse reactions

Vaccination associations and public concern

Beyond the true vaccine reactions that are well documented and
have been illustrated throughout this module, the notion that
vaccines could be responsible for serious health problems has led
to many allegations and many scientific reviews. Some allega-
tions often based on unfounded rumours or poor science have,
at times, profoundly affected the performance of immunization
programmes and limited the ability to prevent serious diseases.
More on rumours and how to manage can be found in Module 6.
For other health conditions, the scientific evidence available is insufficient to conclude that the association
is real, but also insufficient to exclude a link. Systematic study of such conditions can be made difficult as
the frequency of a true reaction can be extremely low, or effects would be very mild or they occur many
years after vaccination. In recent years, the availability of large computerized databases has allowed test-
ing of many of those potential delayed associations, demonstrating nearly ubiquitously that there is no
evidence for a link.
You can learn more about balancing vaccine efficacy and safety of vaccines, and the risks of measles infection
versus the risks of the measles vaccine, in Module 1, chapter “Balancing efficacy and safety” on page 29.

Summary
You have now completed the learning for this module. These are the main points that you have learned.

RRThe differences between and the modes of action of live attenuated vaccines, inactivated vaccines,
conjugate vaccines, subunit and toxoid vaccines and combined vaccines.

RRThe correct route of administration for different vaccines.

RRThe types of vaccine components that exist and their functions.
RRThe contraindications for vaccination that may present an additional risk.
RRThe vaccinations that are recommended during pregnancy and the contraindications for pregnant
women.

RRHow to recognize unfounded rumours that affect immunization programmes.

You have completed Module 2.

We suggest that you test your knowledge!

60
 ASSESSMENT 2

ASSESSMENT 2
 ASSESSMENT 2

Question 1

Complete each statement by choosing the correct option from the list below:

1. Live attenuated , contains living organisms that have been

weakened under laboratory conditions. It stimulates an immune response almost as strong as
an infection with .

2. Killed antigen vaccines, such as , are considered to be very safe

and stable and have no risk of .

3. Conjugated vaccines such as , and pneumococcal conjugate

vaccines can provide protection from in infants.

4. Recombinant technology is used to produce protein-based subunit vaccines such

as , by using other organisms (e.g. yeast cells) to express the
desired .

a inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) e wild-type viruses

b inducing the disease f acellular pertussis (aP) vaccines
c Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine (Hib) g vaccine antigens
d common bacterial infections h measles vaccine

Question 2

Which of the following statements is correct? Select one or more:

❒❒ A. The oral polio vaccine (OPV) never causes paralysis in vaccinated children because the
polioviruses in the vaccine have been inactivated.

❒❒ B. Live attenuated vaccines may pose a risk to people whose immune system is deficient or
suppressed.

❒❒ C. Many live attenuated vaccines require strict adherence to the cold chain in order to main-
tain their efficacy.

❒❒ D. Tissue cultures in which live attenuated vaccines are grown may become contaminated
with other pathogens.

❒❒ E. Live attenuated vaccines induce a weak immune response and therefore always contain
adjuvants to enhance the immune response to the vaccine.

❒❒ F. Inactivated vaccines are more immunogenic than live attenuated vaccines and a single
dose usually produces long-lasting immunity.

62
 ASSESSMENT 2

Question 3

Which of the following statements is correct? Select one or more:

❒❒ A. Live attenuated vaccines include: BCG, OPV, Measles, Rotavirus, whole-cell Pertussis and
Yellow fever vaccines.

❒❒ B. Osteitis has in the past been reported in connection with certain vaccine batches of BCG
vaccines, but now occurs very rarely.

❒❒ C. A vaccination with a second dose of a vaccine is contraindicated if a patient previously suf-

fered from anaphylaxis or a severe allergy due to this vaccine or one of its components.

❒❒ D. In individuals with symptoms of HIV/AIDS, LAV vaccines are contraindicated.

❒❒ E. Conjugate subunit vaccines overcome the problem posed by bacterial pathogens with poly-
saccharide capsules that protect them from host defences.

Question 4

Complete each statement by choosing the correct option from the list below:

1. Aluminium salts used in vaccines as can occasionally cause a

sterile abscess at the injection site.

2. The effectiveness of some live attenuated vaccines can be maintained during storage by the
addition of .

3. The addition of trace amounts of prevents bacterial contami-

nation of tissue culture cells in which vaccine viruses are grown.

4. Thiomersal is the most common of the used to prevent bacte-

rial and fungal growth in multidose vaccines.

5. The polioviruses used in manufacturing IPV are inactivated by treatment

with .

6. The immune response to some vaccines is enhanced by the addition

of .

a antibiotics d preservatives
b formaldehyde e stabilizers
c adjuvants

63
 ASSESSMENT 2

Question 5

Complete each statement by choosing the correct option from the list below:

1. Vaccines that contain aluminium salts must be administered by

injection to reduce the risk of nodule/abscess formation.

2. BCG is the only routine EPI vaccine given to infants by

injection.

3. Current rotavirus vaccine should only be given by the route.

4. Combined diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccines should only be given by

the route.

5. A needle-free method of giving flu vaccine is administration by ____ .

6. Measles vaccine should be injected into the layer.

a oral d intradermal
b intranasal spray e intramuscular
c subcutaneous

You have completed Assessment 2.

64
 ASSESSMENT 2

Assessment solutions

Question 1
Correct answers:
1. Live attenuated measles vaccine, contains living organisms that have been weakened under labora-
tory conditions. It stimulates an immune response almost as strong as an infection with wild-type
viruses.
2. Killed antigen vaccines, such as inactivated polio vaccine (IPV), are considered to be very safe and
stable and have no risk of inducing the disease.
3. Conjugated vaccines such as Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine (Hib) and pneumococcal con-
jugate vaccines can provide protection from common bacterial infections in infants.
4. Recombinant technology is used to produce protein-based subunit vaccines such as acellular pertus-
sis (aP) vaccine, by using other organisms (e.g. yeast cells) to express the desired vaccine antigens.

Question 2
Answers B, C, and D are correct.
Answer A: Polio is among the five vaccines that are recommended by WHO are produced using Live
attenuated vaccine technology: Tuberculosis (BCG), Oral Polio Vaccine, Measles, Rotavirus, Yellow Fever.
Answer E: Live attenuated vaccines stimulate an excellent immune response. Adjuvants are therefore not
critical elements of them.
(To revise information on Live attenuated vaccines go to the “Live attenuated vaccines” on page 41).

Question 3
Answers B, C, D, and E are correct:
Answer A: whole-cell Pertussis is an inactivated vaccine. More information on the “Inactivated whole-
cell vaccines” on page 44.

65
 ASSESSMENT 2

Question 4
Correct answers:
1. Aluminium salts used in vaccines as adjuvants can occasionally cause a sterile abscess at the injec-
tion site.
2. The effectiveness of some live attenuated vaccines can be maintained during storage by the addition
of stabilizers.
3. The addition of trace amounts of antibiotics prevents bacterial contamination of tissue culture cells
in which vaccine viruses are grown.
4. Thiomersal is the most common of the preservatives used to prevent bacterial and fungal growth in
multidose vaccines.
5. The polioviruses used in manufacturing IPV are inactivated by treatment with formaldehyde.
6. The immune response to some vaccines is enhanced by the addition of adjuvants.

Question 5
Please note that the vaccine must be given by the same route as in the clinical trials that led to its approval.
Correct answers:
1. Vaccines that contain aluminium salts must be administered by intramuscular injection to reduce
the risk of nodule/abscess formation.
2. BCG is the only routine EPI vaccine given to infants by intradermal injection.
3. Current rotavirus vaccine should only be given by the oral route.
4. Combined diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccines should only be given by the intramuscular route.
5. A needle-free method of giving flu vaccine is administration by intranasal spray.
6. Measles vaccine should be injected into the subcutaneous layer.

66