Zostavax
This is one of the shingles vaccines
Ingredients:
Active ingredients:
Live, attenuated varicella-zoster virus
Inactive ingredients:
Amounts are based on a 0.65 mL dose
Salts: help maintain the stability and pH of the vaccine
Carbohydrates (sugars): normally used as stabilizers in vaccines
Other:
Some religions such as Islam and Judaism prohibit the consumption of porcine (pork) products. However, according to Jewish law, this does not extend to vaccines because it is not oral consumption. In addition, in Islam, the use of porcine gelatin in vaccines is permitted if lives are at risk and there are no alternatives.
Relevant Terms
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Attenuated: The pathogen is weakened but not completely inactivated. Attenuated pathogens are too weak to cause disease in almost all people. If you are immunocompromised, talk to your doctor before receiving vaccines containing attenuated pathogens.
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Carbohydrates: Another word for sugars
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pH: 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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Vaccine insert: https://pdf.hres.ca/dpd_pm/00042265.PDF
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General:
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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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Monobasic Potassium phosphate:
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MSG: https://www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/questions-and-answers-monosodium-glutamate-msg
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Potassium chloride:
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Sugar:
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Urea: https://inchem.org/documents/jecfa/jecmono/v32je16.htm
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Gelatin:
Last updated: Jan. 25, 2023