Which component helps prevent contamination of vaccines?

Which component helps prevent contamination of vaccines?

• A. Stabilizers
• B. Detergents
• C. Excipients
• D. Preservatives

Answer: (D)

Preservatives protect vaccines from microbial contamination, especially in multi-dose vials. Each syringe puncture can introduce bacteria or fungi, so a preservative inhibits any microbes that get in, helping keep the vaccine safe between uses. Other components like stabilizers or excipients help maintain stability or compatibility but aren’t primarily about stopping contamination. Detergents aren’t used for this purpose in vaccines. Some vaccines are provided preservative-free in single-dose vials or prefilled syringes, which avoids the need for preservatives.

Preservatives protect vaccines from microbial contamination, especially in multi-dose vials. Each syringe puncture can introduce bacteria or fungi, so a preservative inhibits any microbes that get in, helping keep the vaccine safe between uses. Other components like stabilizers or excipients help maintain stability or compatibility but aren’t primarily about stopping contamination. Detergents aren’t used for this purpose in vaccines. Some vaccines are provided preservative-free in single-dose vials or prefilled syringes, which avoids the need for preservatives.