Antibody

The definition of antibody are proteins in the blood that can combine with foreign substances (antigens) and assist in their removal from the body. The production of agens and is part of the immune response against pathogens and is important in recovery from the infectious diseases caused by bacteria or viruses.

The continued presence of antibody molecules in the blood after an infections is one reason for the long lasting Immunity to many diseases. Individual antibody molecules have a high affinity for one particular antigen, but the body produces millions of different antibodies.

Another defensive function of antibodies is the protection of the new born infant. The antibody received across the placenta from the mother protect the newborn until it has developed its own antibodies. Antibodies are also present in the mother's milk and can be absorbed during breast feeding. In many mammals this is the newborn's only antibody source.

Vaccine Preparation

Shake vial vigorously to obtain a uniform suspension prior to withdrawing each dose. Whenever solution and container permit, inspect vaccine visually for particulate matter and/or discoloration prior to administration. If problems are noted (e.g., vaccine cannot be resuspended), the vaccine should not be administered.

Reconstitute just before using. Use only the diluents supplied with the vaccine. Inject the volume of the diluents shown on the diluents label into the vial of lyophilized vaccine and gently agitate to mix thoroughly. Withdraw the entire contents and administer immediately after reconstitution.

Discard single dose MPSV4, varicella, and zoster vaccines if not used within 30 minutes after reconstitution.

 

Note: Unused reconstituted MMR vaccine and multidose MPSV4 vaccine may be stored at 35–46°F (2–8°C) for a limited time. The reconstituted MPSV4 vaccine must be used within 35 days; the reconstituted MMR vaccine must be used within 8 hours. Do not freeze either reconstituted vaccine.

 

Always refer to the package insert included with each biologic for complete vaccine administration information. CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization. Practices (ACIP) recommendations for the particular vaccine should be reviewed as well.

Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP)

The VICP is a no-fault alternative to the traditional tort system for resolving vaccine injury claims. It was established as part of the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, after a rash of lawsuits against vaccine manufacturers and healthcare providers threatened to cause vaccine shortages and reduce vaccination rates.

The VICP covers all vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for routine administration to children. It is administered jointly by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the U.S. Court of Federal Claims (the Court), and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). The VICP is located in the HRSA Healthcare Systems Bureau. Covered vaccines and compensible injuries are described on the “Vaccine Injury Table.”

The Claims Process

An individual claiming a vaccine-related injury or death files a petition for compensation with the Court, and may be represented by an attorney. The Secretary of HHS is named as the Respondent.

An HHS physician reviews the petition to determine whether it meets the medical criteria for compensation. This recommendation is provided to the Court through a Respondent's report filed by the DOJ. The HHS position is presented by an attorney from the DOJ in hearings before a "special master," who makes the decision for compensation under the VICP. A decision may be appealed to the Court, then to the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals, and eventually to the U.S. Supreme Court.

If a case is found eligible for compensation, the amount of the award is usually negotiated between the DOJ and the petitioner's attorneys. If the attorneys can't agree, the case is scheduled for a hearing for the special master to assess the amount of compensation.

Compensable claims, and even most claims found to be non-compensable, are awarded reimbursement for attorney's fees and costs. A petitioner may file a claim in civil court against the vaccine company and/or the vaccine administrator only after first filing a claim under the VICP and then rejecting the decision of the Court.