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Toxoid vaccines are a type of vaccine that uses inactivated toxins, called toxoids, to stimulate an immune response. Toxins are poisonous substances produced by certain bacteria or other microorganisms. While these toxins can cause serious illness, they can be chemically treated to become harmless toxoids. This process of inactivation, often done using formaldehyde, removes the toxic properties of the substance while retaining its ability to provoke an immune reaction.

When a toxoid vaccine is administered, the body's immune system recognizes the toxoid as foreign. In response, it produces antibodies specifically designed to neutralize the original toxin. This creates immunological memory. If the vaccinated individual is later exposed to the actual live pathogen that produces the toxin, their immune system will be prepared to quickly and effectively neutralize the toxin, preventing or significantly reducing the severity of the disease.

Toxoid vaccines are highly effective and have been instrumental in controlling several dangerous diseases. Examples of common toxoid vaccines include those for tetanus and diphtheria, often combined in vaccines like DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis) and Tdap. These vaccines are a crucial part of routine immunization schedules worldwide, protecting both children and adults from potentially life-threatening infections. The immunity provided by toxoid vaccines typically wanes over time, necessitating booster doses to maintain adequate protection.