Totimpfstoffe

Totimpfstoffe, also known as inactivated vaccines, are a type of vaccine that uses a killed version of the germ that causes a disease. These vaccines are produced by growing the virus or bacteria in a laboratory and then using heat, chemicals, or radiation to kill it. Even though the germ is dead, its surface or other components can still trigger an immune response in the body. The immune system recognizes these components as foreign and produces antibodies and other defenses against them. If the vaccinated person is later exposed to the live, active germ, their immune system is prepared to fight it off quickly and effectively, preventing or significantly reducing the severity of the illness.

Examples of diseases for which inactivated vaccines are used include influenza, polio (using the Salk vaccine), hepatitis A, and rabies. Unlike live-attenuated vaccines, which use a weakened but still living version of the pathogen, inactivated vaccines cannot cause the disease they are designed to prevent, making them a safe option for individuals with weakened immune systems or certain medical conditions. However, inactivated vaccines typically provide a weaker immune response compared to live-attenuated vaccines, and may require multiple doses or booster shots over time to maintain immunity. The antigens in inactivated vaccines are generally less potent, meaning that the immune system might need more stimulation to develop a robust and long-lasting defense.