Types of Vaccines Video Lecture | General Awareness for SSC CGL

Ans. The main types of vaccines include: 1. <b>Inactivated or killed vaccines</b>: These are made from viruses or bacteria that have been killed or inactivated so they can no longer cause disease. Examples include the polio vaccine and the hepatitis A vaccine. 2. <b>Live attenuated vaccines</b>: These contain live pathogens that have been weakened so they cannot cause disease in healthy individuals. Examples include the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. 3. <b>Subunit, recombinant, or conjugate vaccines</b>: These contain only parts of the virus or bacteria (subunits) rather than the whole pathogen. They often use a piece of the pathogen to stimulate an immune response. Examples include the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and the meningococcal vaccine. 4. <b>mRNA vaccines</b>: These use messenger RNA to instruct cells to produce a protein that triggers an immune response. A prominent example is the COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. 5. <b>Vector vaccines</b>: These use a harmless virus to deliver a piece of the pathogen’s genetic material to cells, prompting an immune response. The Ebola vaccine is an example of a vector vaccine.

Ans. Vaccines work by stimulating the body's immune system to recognize and fight pathogens. When a vaccine is administered, it introduces a harmless component of the pathogen (such as a protein or a piece of its genetic material) into the body. This prompts the immune system to produce antibodies and activate T-cells. If the vaccinated individual is later exposed to the actual pathogen, their immune system can quickly recognize and combat it, preventing illness or reducing the severity of the disease.

Ans. Active immunity occurs when the body produces its own antibodies in response to exposure to a pathogen or through vaccination. This type of immunity is long-lasting, as memory cells are created that can respond quickly to future infections. Passive immunity, on the other hand, involves the transfer of antibodies from another individual, such as from mother to child through breast milk or through antibody treatments. Passive immunity provides immediate protection but is temporary, as the transferred antibodies will eventually degrade.

Ans. Vaccines are critical for public health as they help to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. They protect not only the individuals who receive them but also contribute to herd immunity, which occurs when a significant portion of the population is immunized, making it difficult for the disease to spread. This protects those who cannot be vaccinated, such as individuals with certain health conditions or allergies. Widespread vaccination has led to the eradication or significant reduction of many diseases, including smallpox and polio.

Ans. Yes, like any medical intervention, vaccines can have side effects. Common side effects are usually mild and temporary, including pain or swelling at the injection site, mild fever, fatigue, and headache. Serious side effects are rare but can occur, such as allergic reactions. It is important for individuals to discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider and to report any unusual or severe reactions following vaccination.