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. 2023 Apr 8;4(2):e228. doi: 10.1002/mco2.228

TABLE 3.

Comparison of four vaccine types.

Vaccine platform Contains Advantages Disadvantages Storage Side effects
graphic file with name MCO2-4-e228-g006.jpg Isolated and purified viral proteins (A1: subunit) or viral proteins, which mimic the structure of the virus, but no genetic material (B1: virus‐like particle) Well‐established technology, no risk of triggering the disease, broad antigenic profile Complex to manufacture, poorly immunogenic 2–8°C Low
graphic file with name MCO2-4-e228-g005.jpg Viral genetic material packaged inside another harmless virus, which can copy itself (replicating viral vector) or cannot copy itself (nonreplicating viral vector) Well‐established technology, strong immune response Complex to manufacture, pre‐existing immunity against the vector could reduce the effectiveness 2–8°C Pain at the injection site, joint pain, headaches, fatigue, chills, muscle pain, fever
graphic file with name MCO2-4-e228-g008.jpg Copies of the virus that have been killed (A3: attenuated) or weakened (B3: inactivated) Well established technology, simple to manufacture, broad antigenic profile Live attenuated vaccine may trigger disease in very rare cases 2–8°C Elevated blood pressure, injection site pain, headache, rash, dizziness
graphic file with name MCO2-4-e228-g009.jpg Viral genetic material (A4: deoxyribonucleic acid [DNA]‐based or B4: ribonucleic acid [RNA]‐based) that provides the instructions for making viral proteins Strong immune response, easy production, no risk of the vaccine triggering disease Need ultra‐cold storage and special delivery systems −70°C Tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever, nausea