Manufacturing, Safety and Quality Control of Vaccines

This article is part three in a series of explainers on vaccine development and distribution. Part one focused on how vaccines work to protect our bodies from disease-carrying germs. Part two focused on the ingredients in a vaccine and the three clinical trial phases. This article outlines the next part of the vaccine journey: the steps from completing the clinical trial phases through to distribution.

How are Vaccines Developed, Tested and Regulated?

This article is part two in a series of explainers on vaccine development and distribution. Part one focused on how vaccines work to protect our bodies from disease-carrying germs. This article focuses on the ingredients in a vaccine and the three clinical trial phases. Part three outlines the next part of the vaccine journey: the steps from completing the clinical trial phases through to distribution.

How Does Vaccines and Herd Immunity Work?

Lately there has been much talk about vaccines and herd immunity, with many expressing fears about taking the COVID-19 vaccine. This article is part one in a series of explainers on vaccine development and distribution. This article focuses on how vaccines work to protect our bodies from disease-carrying germs. Part two focuses on the ingredients in a vaccine and the three clinical trial phases. Part three outlines the next part of the vaccine journey: the steps from completing the clinical trial phases through to distribution.

Cow's Milk Protein Allergy

Cow's milk protein allergy is one of the most common food allergies seen in children. It is most commonly seen during the first year of life. Many children who have been allergic to cow's milk protein become tolerant to it by the time they are 5 years old.

What You Need to Know About Allergic Reactions

An allergy is a reaction that your body's immune system has to a foreign substance called an allergen. Typically, allergens themselves are not harmful to your body. Allergies happen because your immune system, whose job it is to fight off your body's microscopic enemies (germs), over-reacts to something it's exposed to. This "something" is usually a specific food or other substance.

What is blood?

Blood is made up of liquid (plasma) and various different types of cells. An average-sized man has about 5-6 litres of blood in his body; a woman has slightly less. Blood has many different functions - see below.

Anaphylaxis: Overview, Causes, Symptoms, Testing, Treatment and Prognosis

Anaphylaxis is an extreme form of allergic reaction. It can cause swelling of the lips and tongue, breathing problems, collapse and loss of consciousness. Anaphylaxis can cause death and is therefore a medical emergency.

Allergies and Allergic Reactions: Overview, Causes, Types, Testing and Treatment

Allergies are the body's response to a substance called an allergen. Allergens themselves may not be harmful. However, in some people, things that are usually harmless can provoke a reaction.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) can also be referred to as Lupus. It is a long-term disease involving the immune system that may affect the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs causing many varied symptoms, the most common being tiredness, joint pains and skin rashes. In its severe form, problems of the kidneys and other organs occur. Anti-inflammatory pain killers are often used for the joint pains. Steroids and other medications are required for its severe form.

New Malaria Infection Discovery Boosts Vaccine Hope

Discovery of a key red cell molecule used by the malaria parasite gives renewed hope for an effective vaccine in the future, according to an international team of researchers.