Question

What is one possible disadvantage of using live, attenuated vaccines?

A. They require fewer doses and boosters than other types of vaccines
B. They provide long-lasting protection
C. They produce an infection following vaccination
D. The organisms can mutate back to a virulent form following vaccination

Answer 1

D. The organisms can mutate back to a virulent form following vaccination

Step-by-step explanation:

The live, attenuated vaccines are the first type of vaccines to be used for immunity. These vaccines contain viruses that have been weakened. Once it's introduced into the body, the viruses cannot replicate but evokes an immune response. This allows the body to fight the infection in the future. Vaccines of this type are given against measles, mumps, rubella, Influenza, Varicella, Rotavirus, etc.

However, the vaccine has one possible disadvantage, and that is to mutate back to a virulent form after the vaccination. This happened in the case of giving Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV). Giving it orally may lead to having Paralytic Polio, which is considered rare but possible.