Shingrix
This is one of the shingles vaccines
Ingredients:
Active ingredients:
gE antigen: a purified glycoprotein (a protein with a sugar attached to it) from the surface of varicella-zoster virus (the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles).
This vaccine also contains an adjuvant called AS01b, which contains 2 ingredients: MPL and QS-21. MPL is derived from a species of bacteria called Salmonella minnesota, and QS-21 is derived from the soap bark tree. QS-21 is also used as an adjuvant in a treatment for leukemia (a type of cancer) in cats.
Inactive ingredients:
Amounts are based on a 0.5 mL dose
Salts: help maintain the stability and pH of the vaccine
Carbohydrates (sugars): normally used as stabilizers in vaccines
Lipids (fats): lipids do not dissolve in water, so they are used to create a protective coating around the active ingredient. This coating is also called a liposome.
Other Stabilizers:
Relevant Terms
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Antibody: a protein made by the immune system in response to a foreign particle (antigen). These proteins circulate in the blood and help defend the body against the substance.
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Antigen: This is any substance that triggers the immune system to create antibodies. For example, allergens such as pollen are antigens.
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Adjuvant: a compound added to some vaccines to strengthen the immune response
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Carbohydrates: Another name for sugars
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Glycoprotein: a protein with a sugar attached to it
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Lipid: substances that do not mix with water such as fats, hormones, waxes, and oils
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pH: This is a measure of how acidic or basic a solution is. The scale ranges from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very basic). A pH of 7 is neutral.
Sources
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Package insert: https://www.fda.gov/media/108597/download
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General:
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QS-21
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Sodium chloride: https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/sodium-salt-and-you
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Sodium Phosphate:
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Potassium phosphate:
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DOPC:
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Cholesterol:
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Sugar:
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Polysorbate 80: https://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/vaccine-education-center/vaccine-ingredients
Last updated: Feb. 17, 2023