Which of the following is a live attenuated vaccine?

Appeared in: RIMS Nursing Officer - 2022

Explanation

The Rubella vaccine is a classic example of a live attenuated vaccine, containing a weakened version of the live rubella virus.
It is typically administered as part of the combined Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Live attenuated vaccines work by replicating within the host to mimic a natural infection, which stimulates a robust and long-lasting immune response, including both cellular and humoral immunity.

Option B: The Diphtheria vaccine is a toxoid vaccine. It is made from the inactivated toxin produced by the Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria, not the live organism itself.
Option C: The Tetanus vaccine is also a toxoid vaccine. It contains the inactivated toxin (tetanospasmin) from the Clostridium tetani bacterium.
Option D: The Hepatitis B vaccine is a recombinant subunit vaccine. It is created using genetic engineering to produce one specific part of the virus—the Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)—which stimulates an immune response without any risk of causing infection.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Classification of Vaccines by Type as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding vaccine types is critical for safe administration. Live attenuated vaccines like Rubella (MMR) are generally contraindicated in pregnant women and severely immunocompromised individuals due to the risk of the weakened virus causing disease.
A nurse must always screen patients for contraindications, such as pregnancy, allergies, or immunosuppressive conditions, before administering any vaccine, especially live vaccines.
What if? If the patient were a pregnant woman needing protection from rubella, she could not receive the MMR vaccine. She would be advised to get vaccinated immediately after delivery and to avoid contact with infected individuals during her pregnancy.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of vaccine classification.
First, understand the definition of the key term in the question: 'live attenuated vaccine'. This is a vaccine containing a weakened but still live version of a pathogen.
Next, systematically review each option and recall its specific vaccine type.
Option A, Rubella, is part of the MMR vaccine, which is a well-known live attenuated vaccine.
Option B, Diphtheria, is a toxoid vaccine, often given as part of the DTaP/Tdap combination.
Option C, Tetanus, is also a toxoid vaccine.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Biochemistry U Satyanarayana— Part 2 (pp 421-820 of 840) p. 356-358

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