There are several classifications of vaccinations. Two of which are live and inactive vaccines. Live vaccines are derived from an attenuated form of the disease causing bacteria or virus. Live vaccines result in an immune response that is similar to a natural infection. In order for a live vaccine to be effective the organism must replicate. Failure to replicate does not elicit an immune response. Because of this, live vaccines must be stored in specific conditions that do not cause damage to the organism or impair its ability to replicate. In most cases, live vaccines do not pose a risk. However, uncontrolled replication can occur in immune deficient individuals resulting in severe or fatal reactions. There is also a possibility that the attenuated bacteria or virus could return to its pathogenic form.

Contrastingly, inactive vaccines are derived from deactivated bacterium or virus.  Because the organism is deactivated, the bacteria or virus does not replicate. Inactive vaccines do not produce a natural immune response. Instead, the response to inactive vaccines is primarily humoral.  In order for inactive vaccines to elicit a protective immune response, multiple doses of the vaccine must be administered. Levels of antibodies against the organism’s antigens decrease over time and require a boost (hence booster shots) to maintain immunity. Unlike live vaccines, inactive vaccines do not pose a threat to those that are immune deficient. 

A chart containing major live and inactive vaccines are below. To see the full chart, use the link below. 

http://www.cdc.gov/VACCINes/pubs/pinkbook/downloads/appendices/B/us-vaccines.pdf

Sources: 

http://www.cdc.gov/VACCINes/pubs/pinkbook/downloads/appendices/B/us-vaccines.pdf

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/downloads/prinvac.pdf

Immunizations Basics PowerPoint

http://www.vaccines.gov/more_info/types/