Which statement about stabilizers in vaccines is true?

Which statement about stabilizers in vaccines is true?

• A. They flavor the vaccine.
• B. They make the vaccine more bitter.
• C. They help the vaccine retain potency.
• D. They replace active ingredients.

Answer: (C)

Stabilizers are added to vaccines to keep the active ingredients from losing potency before they are given. They protect the vaccine from degradation due to storage and handling—factors like temperature changes, pH shifts, and exposure to light—that can weaken or inactivate the components. That’s why the true statement is that stabilizers help the vaccine retain potency. They don’t have a role in flavor, they don’t make the vaccine more bitter, and they don’t replace the active ingredients. In practice, stabilizers help ensure the vaccine remains effective from manufacture until administration, which is why proper storage and handling are also crucial.

Stabilizers are added to vaccines to keep the active ingredients from losing potency before they are given. They protect the vaccine from degradation due to storage and handling—factors like temperature changes, pH shifts, and exposure to light—that can weaken or inactivate the components. That’s why the true statement is that stabilizers help the vaccine retain potency. They don’t have a role in flavor, they don’t make the vaccine more bitter, and they don’t replace the active ingredients. In practice, stabilizers help ensure the vaccine remains effective from manufacture until administration, which is why proper storage and handling are also crucial.