Question

T/F?

Inactivated vaccines produce weaker immune responses of shorter duration when compared with attenuated live vaccines, and more frequent booster immunizations may be required (generally annually).


With the exception of ____________, two initial doses of vaccine 3-4 weeks apart in the absence of MDA are absolutely essential to produce an effective immune response, and if more than ________ weeks elapses between these doses, it is recommended in other guidelines reports that the series be repeated. Full protection may not develop until ____________ weeks after the last dose.

Answer 1

True, inactivated vaccines usually produce weaker immune responses than live attenuated vaccines, requiring frequent boosters. Two initial doses 3-4 weeks apart are critical, and failure to administer these within 6 weeks may require restarting the series. Full protection develops several weeks after the final dose.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement is true; inactivated vaccines often produce weaker immune responses and are of shorter duration compared to attenuated live vaccines. As a result, they may require more frequent booster immunizations. A notable exception to this is the full vaccination series for inactivated polio vaccine (IPV), which consists of four doses given at ages 2, 4, and 6-18 months, and a final one at 4-6 years of age. For most vaccines, two initial doses 3-4 weeks apart are essential to ensure an effective immune response in the absence of maternal derived antibodies (MDA). If more than 6 weeks elapse between these doses, guidelines often recommend repeating the series. It may take several weeks, typically 2 to 4 weeks, after the last dose for full protection to develop.