Which of the following statements about live attenuated vaccines is true?

Study for the APhA Pharmacy-Based Immunization Delivery Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question includes hints and explanations. Ensure readiness for your exam!

The statement that live attenuated vaccines should generally be avoided in immunocompromised patients is accurate and reflects an important principle in immunization practices. Live attenuated vaccines contain live microorganisms that have been weakened so they do not cause disease in healthy individuals. However, in immunocompromised patients, whose immune systems may not be able to adequately respond to or control an infection, these vaccines can pose a risk. They may lead to severe disease in these patients, as their bodies are unable to contain or eliminate the attenuated organisms effectively.

This caution is rooted in understanding the balance between vaccination benefits and risks, especially in vulnerable populations. For example, individuals undergoing chemotherapy or those with HIV/AIDS may fall into the immunocompromised category and would typically be advised to receive inactivated vaccines instead, as these do not pose the same risk.

The other statements provided do not accurately reflect the nature and characteristics of live attenuated vaccines. For instance, they generally have prolonged effectiveness compared to inactivated vaccines, as they elicit a more robust and long-lasting immune response. Live attenuated vaccines are specifically whole organisms, differing from inactivated vaccines, which can be whole or fractional, or toxoids, which do not contain live pathogens. Lastly, circulating

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