What role do stabilizers play in vaccines?

Stabilizers play a crucial role in vaccines by helping to retain their potency under unfavorable conditions. Vaccines can be sensitive to factors such as temperature fluctuations, light exposure, and humidity, which can degrade their active components over time. Stabilizers are added to the vaccine formulation to ensure that the vaccine remains effective and does not lose its potency during storage and transportation. They help maintain the integrity of the vaccine, making it more durable and capable of withstanding environmental stressors.

While other functions are important in the context of vaccines, the primary purpose of stabilizers centers around preserving the vaccine's efficacy and ensuring that it remains effective when administered to the individual.