One of the five main vaccine types and is part of the category that includes subunit, recombinant, and polysaccharide vaccines. All these vaccines use pieces of the antigen (germ) —  such as its protein, sugar, or capsid (a casing around the antigen) to elicit an immune response.

Conjugate vaccines ‘marry’ or join a specific piece of the germ with a stronger part, typically a carrier protein or antigen, which elicits a very strong immune response that is targeted to key parts of the virus or bacteria. The word ‘conjugate’ comes from to marry, unite, or join together.

They can also be used on almost everyone who needs them, including people with weakened immune systems and long-term health problems. Conjugate vaccines are being used as part of ongoing clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccine candidates.

 Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine often called Hib vaccine,  which is used to prevent Haemophilus influenzae type b  infection is an example of a conjugate vaccine. Hib vaccine is usually given as 3 or 4 doses (depending on the brand). It can be given as a stand-alone vaccine, or as part of a combination vaccine (a type of vaccine that combines more than one vaccine together into one shot).

 

 

 

Categories:

Infectious Disease Vaccines

Cross-reference:

AntigenPathogenProteinsVaccinesVaccine typesVirusImmune system