Biology
Vaccine Adjuvants and Their Immunological Mechanisms
Quick fact
The name 'adjuvant' comes from Latin 'adjuvare', meaning 'to help' or 'to aid'—they are literally helpers that boost the vaccine's immune response.
Why this is interesting
Why do some vaccines contain extra ingredients that aren't the pathogen itself? What do 'alum' or 'adjuvants' actually do in your arm after the injection?