Inactivated Vaccines

Inactivated vaccines (also known as killed vaccines) involve the inactivation of a virus or bacteria so that they are no longer able to replicate and cause disease, yet still retain their ability to trigger an immune response. This response means that the body remembers how to fight the virus or bacteria and can quickly respond to it if it is encountered again. Inactivated vaccines are widely used for the prevention of diseases caused by viruses, bacteria and even some parasites. Through vaccination, these diseases can be controlled to an extent, reducing the risks of infection and death. Inactivated vaccines have been used for many years and have successfully protected millions of people from diseases such as polio, hepatitis A, rabies and influenza.