Final answer:
The PCV, or Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, is created using a protein combined with a polysaccharide capsule, devised to protect against various forms of pneumococcal disease. The vaccine is designed to stimulate production of antibodies to fight the infection. Other important vaccines include the meningococcal conjugate vaccine and others like Hib, DTaP, Tdap, DT, and MMR.
Step-by-step explanation:
The PCV or Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is used for the prevention of pneumococcal diseases. This vaccine is given in four doses and common adverse effects can be irritability, temporary diarrhea, and vomiting. It is generally given to individuals who are high risk, specifically children under 2 years and adults over 65 years.
What is a conjugate vaccine?
A conjugate vaccine is a vaccine that combines a protein with a polysaccharide capsule. The purpose of this combination is to enhance the efficacy of the vaccine, particularly against pathogens that cause serious diseases like meningitis. Notably, children under the age of two respond effectively to these vaccines. Such vaccines introduce T-independent capsular polysaccharide antigens to stimulate the production of antibodies able to combat the infection.
Other notable vaccines
There are a myriad of other vaccines used to protect against various diseases. For example, the meningococcal conjugate vaccine is recommended by the CDC for first-year college students living in dorms, and it protects against numerous serotypes of N. meningitidis. Other common vaccines include the Hib, DTaP, Tdap, DT, and MMR vaccines.
Learn more about Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine