How do conjugate vaccines protect babies from bacteria like meningococcus and pneumococcus?
Quick Answer
Conjugate vaccines attach a bacterial sugar coating to a protein so babies can make a stronger immune response. This helps protect young children against serious infections.
The Full Story
Some bacteria have polysaccharide capsules that are difficult for infant immune systems to recognize well. In a conjugate vaccine, that sugar capsule is chemically linked to a protein carrier, which makes the immune response much more effective. This technology has been used for vaccines against Haemophilus influenzae type b, pneumococcus, and meningococcus. It has saved many lives by reducing meningitis, bloodstream infections, and pneumonia in young children. Conjugate vaccines are a major advance in pediatric immunology and public health.
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