What are the differences between antibiotics and vaccines?

Basis of differentiation 

Antibiotics

Vaccines 

Definition 

Are small molecules or compounds used to treat bacterial infections

Are dead or inactivated organisms used to provide immunity and prevent a specific infection or disease

Source 

Can be derived from natural, semi-synthetic and synthetic sources

Are derived from live or inactivated microbes, antigens or toxins 

Function 

Are used to treat an established bacterial infection 

Are used as a preventive measure to reduce the risk of occurrence or treat an infections and disease 

Time administered

during the time of the infection, when millions of pathogens are already in the body

usually taken once when pathogen numbers are still low and has a permanent effect

Side effects 

Potential side effects may include nausea, diarrhea or allergic reactions

Allergic reactions are the most common side effect

Form of intake

many forms including tablets, capsules, drops, ointments

orally or through injection

Examples

• Tetracycline 
• Penicillin 
• Cephalosporin
• Aminoglycoside 

• MMR against measles
• Polio vaccine 
• BCG against tuberculosis
• DTP against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis