Back to: How to Read an Insert Training Course

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Everything you’re about to read is from a .gov website. All links are cited for further research (click on screenshots for links).

Let’s define some terms.

According to HHS, a vaccine is made from very small amounts of weak or dead germs that can cause diseases: for example, viruses, bacteria, or toxins.

Vaccination is the act of getting a vaccine, usually as a shot. However, vaccines can also be administered sublingually (under the tongue) or a mist up the nose.

Immunization is the process of becoming immune to (protected against) a disease.

Note: even though vaccines are often referred to as “immunizations,” per manufacturers that is not always the case. You can also become immunized through natural exposure to a virus.

Types of Vaccines

Inactivated vaccines:

Live-attenuated vaccines:

Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines:

Subunit, recombinant, polysaccharide, and conjugate vaccines:

Toxoid vaccines:

Viral vector vaccines:

Although not on the market yet, you may hear about DNA vaccines + Recombinant vector vaccines (platform-based vaccines) that are currently being developed.

Keep reading to learn about the ingredients in vaccines.