What are the Common Toxicological Concerns in Vaccine Development?
Several concerns need to be addressed during the development of vaccines:
- Adjuvants: These are substances added to vaccines to enhance the immune response. Toxicologists must ensure that adjuvants do not cause excessive inflammation or allergic reactions.
- Preservatives: Used to prevent contamination, preservatives like Thimerosal have been scrutinized for potential toxic effects, particularly in children.
- Allergic Reactions: Vaccines must be evaluated for the potential to cause allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, especially if they contain egg proteins or gelatin.