Salk vaccine

Definition

The Salk vaccine is an inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) that protects against poliomyelitis. Developed by Jonas Salk, it contains killed virus particles to stimulate an immune response without causing the disease.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Salk vaccine was first introduced in 1955 and played a crucial role in reducing polio incidence globally.
2. It is administered via injection and requires multiple doses for full immunity.
3. Unlike oral polio vaccines (OPVs), the Salk vaccine cannot cause vaccine-derived poliovirus because it contains inactivated virus.
4. The vaccine primarily induces humoral immunity, producing antibodies that neutralize the poliovirus.
5. The World Health Organization recommends the use of IPV as part of routine immunization schedules.

Review Questions

Related terms

Poliomyelitis:

A viral infection that can affect nerves and lead to partial or full paralysis.

Jonas Salk: The American virologist who developed the first successful polio vaccine.

Inactivated Vaccine:

A type of vaccine made from viruses or bacteria that have been killed through physical or chemical processes.