Commonly Used Adjuvant Human Vaccines: Advantages and Side Effects

Abstract

Vaccines are a cost-effective and successful means for preventing disease. Routine health vaccine administration begins in early childhood and extends into the elderly; however, there is evidence to suggest that the immunologic and protective response to vaccination is less potent in older individuals. In recent years, newer adjuvant vaccines have been developed to improve humoral and cell-mediated immune response after vaccination. Despite the use of adjuvants in vaccines for many decades, there is limited teaching in postgraduate medical education regarding the adjuvants found in human vaccines. We summarize the current literature cited in PubMed from January 1980 to December 2019. Studies examined included those supporting the use of adjuvants in human vaccines, the mechanisms via which they enhance the immunologic response, and the reported side effects that are associated with the use of adjuvant vaccines. Overall, the data show that newer adjuvant vaccines lead to improved humoral and cell-mediated immunity against infections in populations, including those with decreased response to typical vaccines without adjuvants. Side effects related to adjuvants in vaccines were reported. Research aimed at improving vaccine effectiveness and minimizing side effects continues to be underway.