How Vaccines Are Made
Different types of vaccines use different technologies. Here are the main categories:
- Inactivated Vaccines – Made from viruses that have been killed so they can’t cause illness. Example: Some types of flu vaccines.
- Live Attenuated Vaccines – Use weakened viruses that can still trigger an immune response without causing disease. Example: Nasal spray flu vaccines.
- Protein Subunit Vaccines – Use specific proteins from the virus to stimulate immunity. Example: Novavax COVID-19 vaccine.
- Viral Vector Vaccines – Use a harmless virus to deliver genetic material from the target virus. Example: AstraZeneca and Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccines.
- mRNA Vaccines – Use genetic instructions to help your body produce a protein that triggers immunity. Example: Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines.
Comparing Vaccines: Cold, Flu, and COVID-19
Feature | Common Cold | Flu Vaccine | COVID-19 Vaccine |
|---|---|---|---|
Vaccine Type | None available | Inactivated / Live Attenuated | mRNA, Viral Vector, Protein Subunit |
Prevents Infection | Not applicable | Reduces risk by 40–60% | Reduces risk by 50–90% |
Prevents Reinfection | Not applicable | Needs annual shots due to virus mutation | Helps reduce reinfection; booster shots recommended |
Reduces Severity / Death | Not applicable | Highly effective in high-risk groups | Strong protection against severe illness and death |
Reduces Complications | Not applicable | Helps prevent pneumonia | Lowers risk of Long COVID |
Administration Method | No vaccine | Injection / Nasal spray | Injection |
Available Brands | None | Fluzone, FluMist, Vaxigrip | Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Sinovac |
Frequency | Not applicable | Annually | Booster every 6–12 months (based on guidelines) |
Why Vaccination Matters
- Reduces the chance of infection and transmission
- Lowers the risk of severe symptoms and complications
- Eases the burden on the healthcare system
- Helps prevent large-scale outbreaks from virus mutations
Summary
Vaccines play a vital role in preventing infectious diseases. The flu vaccine should be taken every year, while COVID-19 vaccines may require booster shots to maintain immunity. Morru recommends everyone get vaccinated to protect themselves and the community!
📌 Further Reading: