How is the A H1N1 09 vaccine made?
Inactivated vaccine:
1. Virus collection: The H1N1 virus is obtained from a reliable source, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) or a national public health agency.
2. Virus propagation: The virus is grown in a suitable host system, such as embryonated chicken eggs or mammalian cell culture.
3. Harvesting the virus: After a sufficient amount of virus has been produced, it is harvested from the host system.
4. Inactivation: The harvested virus is chemically inactivated using a method such as formaldehyde treatment. This process destroys the virus's ability to replicate while preserving its antigenicity.
5. Purification: The inactivated virus particles are purified to remove cellular debris and other impurities.
6. Formulation: The purified virus is formulated with stabilizers, preservatives, and adjuvants to enhance immune response. The adjuvants are substances that stimulate the immune system to produce a more robust antibody response.
7. Quality control: The formulated vaccine undergoes rigorous quality control testing to ensure it meets safety and efficacy standards.
8. Packaging and distribution: The approved vaccine is packaged in sterile vials and distributed to vaccination centers and healthcare facilities.
Live-attenuated vaccine:
1. Source of virus: Similar to the inactivated vaccine, the H1N1 virus is sourced from a reliable source.
2. Attenuation: The virus is subjected to genetic modifications or serial passages in the laboratory to reduce its virulence (disease-causing ability) while preserving its immunogenicity.
3. Propagation: The attenuated virus is propagated in a suitable host system, usually embryonated chicken eggs.
4. Harvesting: The attenuated virus is harvested and processed.
5. Formulation: The harvested virus is formulated with stabilizers and preservatives.
6. Quality control: Stringent quality control checks are performed to ensure vaccine safety and efficacy.
7. Packaging and distribution: The approved live-attenuated vaccine is packaged and distributed under appropriate conditions to maintain its potency and viability.
Both inactivated and live-attenuated vaccines undergo extensive research and clinical trials to ensure their safety, immunogenicity, and effectiveness before being widely used in vaccination programs.