TECHNOLOGIES OF PRODUCTION AND QUALITY CONTROL OF VACCINE: A REVIEW

Abstract

The discovery of the vaccine came from studies by the British Edward Jenner in 1796. Since then, vaccines have represented one of the most used options in the control and eradication of diseases such as smallpox, polio and many others. The process of obtaining an immunizing agent includes several production operations and strict quality control. A literature review was carried out using the descriptors vaccines, immunization and vaccine technology, using the Scielo, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Bireme and Lilacs databases. The search included publications that highlight the importance of vaccines and the National Immunization Program (PNI) in Brazil, in addition to the technological processes used in the production and quality control of immunizing agents. From the careful selection of studies from the largest industry, it was found that for an application to be necessary, research, investment, time and the use of different technologies divided mainly into seven categories: attenuated vaccines, inactivated vaccines, conjugate vaccines, recombinant vaccines, combined vaccines, reverse vaccinology and therapeutic vaccination. Regardless of technology, a new vaccine requires pre-clinical and clinical tests that certify the effectiveness and safety of the immunizer before being used in the population. After approval, the production of vaccine batches requires a rigorous quality control process for immunizing agents, which includes physical-chemical, microbiological and biological tests. However, there is a clear need for public policies and more investment in research to guarantee the conditions required for new immunization agents according to emerging diseases.