Subtitle 1: Inactivated Vaccines
Inactivated vaccines, also called killed vaccines, are made from a weakened form of the virus or bacteria. Examples of inactivated vaccines include the polio, hepatitis A, and influenza (flu) vaccines.
Subtitle 2: Toxoid Vaccines
Toxoid vaccines are made from toxins produced by bacteria. These vaccines help the body develop immunity by making antibodies to the toxin, rather than the bacteria itself. Examples include the diphtheria and tetanus vaccines.
Subtitle 3: Subunit Vaccines
Subunit vaccines use only a part of the virus or bacteria, rather than the whole organism. This allows the body to create an immune response without being exposed to the whole bacteria or virus. Examples include the pertussis and HPV vaccines.
Subtitle 4: Conjugate Vaccines
Conjugate vaccines combine a protein from the virus or bacteria with a harmless carrier, such as a sugar. This helps the body recognize the virus or bacteria and create an immune response. An example of a conjugate vaccine is the Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine.
Subtitle 5: Live Attenuated Vaccines
Live attenuated vaccines use a weakened form of the virus or bacteria, rather than a killed form. These vaccines replicate in the body, helping the body to develop a stronger immune response. Examples of live attenuated vaccines include the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Subtitle 6: Recombinant Vector Vaccines
Recombinant vector vaccines use a weakened virus to deliver genetic material from the virus or bacteria into the body. This helps the body create a stronger immune response. An example of a recombinant vector vaccine is the hepatitis B vaccine.
Subtitle 7: DNA Vaccines
DNA vaccines use genetic material from the virus or bacteria to stimulate an immune response. The genetic material is injected into the body, where it is taken up by cells and used to create proteins that help the body recognize the virus or bacteria.
Subtitle 8: Virus-Like Particle (VLP) Vaccines
Virus-like particle (VLP) vaccines use components of the virus or bacteria to stimulate an immune response. These particles are made in a laboratory and contain no infectious material. Examples of VLP vaccines include the human papillomavirus (HPV) and rotavirus vaccines.
Subtitle 9: Cancer Vaccines
Cancer vaccines are designed to stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells. These vaccines are made from antigens that are specific to the type of cancer being treated. Examples of cancer vaccines include Provenge, which is used to treat prostate cancer, and Gardasil, which is used to treat cervical cancer.
Subtitle 10: Biosimilar Vaccines
Biosimilar vaccines are very similar to existing vaccines, but have been produced using biotechnology. These vaccines are developed to provide an alternative to existing vaccines, which may be in short supply or not available in certain areas. Examples of biosimilar vaccines include the pneumococcal and rotavirus vaccines.