Vaccines & Sera – Types, Classification, Storage and Cold Chain

B.Sc Nursing Microbiology Notes (INC Syllabus) – Exam Oriented, Mobile Friendly

1. INTRODUCTION

Immunoprophylaxis means prevention of disease by providing immunity through vaccines or sera.

It is one of the most effective methods to prevent infectious diseases such as:

• Tuberculosis

• Polio

• Hepatitis

• Tetanus

• Measles

Vaccines stimulate the body to produce antibodies, while sera provide ready-made antibodies for immediate protection.

Importance in Nursing Practice

Nurses play an important role in:

• Immunization programs

• Vaccine administration

• Maintaining cold chain

• Preventing vaccine failure

• Educating patients

Role in Disease Prevention

Immunoprophylaxis helps to:

• reduce mortality and morbidity

• control outbreaks

• protect community (herd immunity)

• prevent complications

2. DEFINITION

Immunoprophylaxis Definition

Immunoprophylaxis is the prevention of disease by inducing immunity using vaccines or sera.

Vaccine Definition

Vaccine is a biological preparation that stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies and provide protection against disease.

Sera Definition

Sera are preparations containing ready-made antibodies used to provide immediate protection.

3. CLASSIFICATION OF VACCINES AND SERA

Types of Immunoprophylaxis

Type	Method	Example
Active immunization	Vaccine stimulates antibody production	BCG
Passive immunization	Ready-made antibodies given	Rabies immunoglobulin

3.1 CLASSIFICATION OF VACCINES

Type of Vaccine	Description	Example
Live attenuated	Weakened organism	BCG, MMR
Killed (inactivated)	Dead organism	Polio (IPV)
Toxoid	Inactivated toxin	Tetanus
Subunit vaccine	Part of organism	Hepatitis B
Recombinant vaccine	genetically prepared	HPV
Conjugate vaccine	antigen + protein	Hib
mRNA vaccine	genetic material	COVID vaccine

3.2 CLASSIFICATION OF SERA

Type	Description	Example
Antitoxin	neutralizes toxin	Tetanus antitoxin
Antivenom	neutralizes venom	Snake antivenom
Immunoglobulin	antibodies	Rabies Ig
Monoclonal antibody	specific antibody	cancer therapy

4. CHARACTERISTICS OF VACCINES

Important features:

• stimulate immune response

• safe and effective

• provide long-term protection

• produce memory cells

• prevent disease spread

Ideal Vaccine Properties

• safe

• effective

• stable

• affordable

• easy to administer

5. MECHANISM OF ACTION

Mechanism of Vaccine Action

Vaccine administration → antigen exposure → antibody production → memory cell formation → immunity

Passive Immunity Mechanism

Injection of antibodies → immediate protection → short duration immunity

6. PATHOGENESIS PREVENTION

Vaccines prevent infection by:

• producing antibodies

• neutralizing pathogens

• preventing multiplication

• preventing toxin production

7. MODES OF ADMINISTRATION

Route	Example vaccine
Oral	Polio
Intradermal	BCG
Intramuscular	Hepatitis B
Subcutaneous	MMR
Intranasal	influenza

8. CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS (SIDE EFFECTS)

Common side effects:

• fever

• swelling

• pain at injection site

• redness

• mild rash

Serious reactions:

• anaphylaxis

• severe allergy

9. STORAGE AND COLD CHAIN

Cold Chain Definition

Cold chain is a system of storing and transporting vaccines at recommended temperature to maintain potency.

Vaccines are temperature sensitive.

Recommended temperature:+2°C to +8°C

Cold Chain Equipment

Equipment	Function
Ice lined refrigerator	vaccine storage
Deep freezer	OPV storage
Cold box	transport
Vaccine carrier	short transport
Ice packs	maintain temperature
Refrigerator thermometer	monitor temperature

Importance of Cold Chain

• maintain vaccine potency

• prevent vaccine damage

• ensure effectiveness

• prevent vaccine failure

10. PREVENTION AND CONTROL

Immunization helps prevent diseases:

Disease	Vaccine
TB	BCG
Polio	OPV/IPV
Hepatitis B	Hep B vaccine
Measles	MMR
Tetanus	TT
Diphtheria	DPT

11. NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES

Before vaccination:

• check vaccine expiry date

• check cold chain status

• obtain consent

• assess patient condition

During vaccination:

• maintain aseptic technique

• administer correct dose

• follow correct route

• reassure patient

After vaccination:

• observe for reaction

• document vaccination

• educate patient

Cold chain responsibilities:

• maintain temperature

• avoid freezing vaccines

• monitor refrigerator temperature

• record temperature chart

12. COMMON DISEASES PREVENTED BY VACCINES

Disease	Vaccine
Tuberculosis	BCG
Polio	OPV
Tetanus	TT
Hepatitis B	Hep B
Measles	MMR
Rabies	Rabies vaccine