Toxoid vaccines

Definition

Toxoid vaccines are made from toxins produced by bacteria that have been inactivated or attenuated so they can no longer cause disease. These vaccines stimulate a protective immune response without causing illness.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Toxoid vaccines are commonly used to protect against diseases like tetanus and diphtheria.
2. The inactivation process involves treating the bacterial toxins with formaldehyde or heat.
3. These vaccines require booster shots because the immunity they provide wanes over time.
4. Toxoid vaccines primarily stimulate antibody-mediated immunity (humoral immunity).
5. They do not contain live pathogens, making them safe for immunocompromised individuals.

Review Questions

Related terms

Live Attenuated Vaccine:

A vaccine made from live pathogens that have been weakened so they cannot cause disease.

Inactivated Vaccine:

A vaccine made from pathogens that have been killed and cannot replicate.

Adjuvant: A substance added to a vaccine to enhance the body's immune response to the antigen.