Modes of vaccine administration at a glance

A number of different vaccination techniques are applied in farm animals. The intramuscular, subcutaneous and intradermal injection of vaccines are parenteral application methods that are currently used for different attenuated and inactivated vaccines. The injection may be performed by needle or pressure. Depending on the method of application, the mucosal immunization can be performed intraocular, intranasal and/or oral. In general, the vaccine follows the natural route of infection of the respective pathogen. Attenuated vaccines usually replicate in the primary target organs. Mucosal application of attenuated vaccines via drinking water or spray are routinely applied in poultry. Both techniques offer advantages for mass application. The administration route and the method of vaccination have a great influence on the efficacy and safety of a vaccine. The instructions of the manufacturers must therefore be strictly respected. Unfortunately, there is no ideal administration method applicable for any vaccine in all species.