Antibiotics and vaccines are both used to combat pathogens that enter the body but they work in different ways. There are several differences between antibiotics and vaccines.
Basis of differentiation | Antibiotics | Vaccines |
Definition | Are small molecules or compounds used to treat bacterial infections | Are dead or inactivated organisms used to provide immunity and prevent a specific infection or disease |
Source | Can be derived from natural, semi-synthetic and synthetic sources | Are derived from live or inactivated microbes, antigens or toxins |
Function | Are used to treat an established bacterial infection | Are used as a preventive measure to reduce the risk of occurrence or treat an infections and disease |
Time administered | during the time of the infection, when millions of pathogens are already in the body | usually taken once when pathogen numbers are still low and has a permanent effect |
Side effects | Potential side effects may include nausea, diarrhea or allergic reactions | Allergic reactions are the most common side effect |
Form of intake | many forms including tablets, capsules, drops, ointments | orally or through injection |
Examples |
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