Toxoidvaccins

Toxoid vaccines, sometimes written toxoidvaccins in Dutch usage, are vaccines that use inactivated bacterial toxins to stimulate immunity. The vaccines contain a toxoid, an inactivated toxin, which cannot cause disease but retains the ability to trigger an immune response. By producing neutralizing antibodies against the toxin, the immune system can block the toxic effects if the person is exposed to the real toxin.

Common examples are diphtheria toxoid and tetanus toxoid vaccines. In many countries these are given in combination with other antigens, such as diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis in DTaP, or as separate tetanus or diphtheria boosters. Production typically involves detoxifying the toxin with formaldehyde or other processes while preserving antigenic structure; adjuvants may be used to enhance response.

Because protection targets the toxin rather than the bacteria, toxoid vaccines prevent disease caused by toxin-mediated pathology, not by eliminating the infection itself. Immune protection usually requires multiple doses in infancy, with boosters in adolescence and adulthood. Tetanus vaccination is often recommended every 10 years, and a booster is advised after wounds or injuries if the vaccination is not up to date.

Safety: these vaccines are generally safe. Local reactions at the injection site are common; fever is possible but uncommon; serious adverse events are rare.

History: the concept and development of toxoid vaccines emerged in the early 20th century, with work by Gaston Ramon leading to effective diphtheria and tetanus vaccines that have had a major impact on public health.