5.14 and 5.15B - Immunisation

Question 1

What do vaccinations do?

Answer 1

Vaccinations make an individual immune to a certain disease before they have been infected.

Question 2

What is herd immunity?

Answer 2

Herd immunity occurs when a large proportion of the population is immunised, reducing the spread of the pathogen.

Question 3

What happens when you are infected with a pathogen?

Answer 3

You feel ill until white blood cells manufacture the correct specific antibody to combat it.

Question 4

How do vaccinations work in relation to secondary infections?

Answer 4

Vaccinations replicate the first infection, allowing antibodies to be produced quickly upon exposure to the real disease, preventing symptoms.

Question 5

What does a vaccine contain?

Answer 5

A vaccine contains a dead or inactivated form of the pathogen.

Question 6

What do vaccines stimulate in the immune system?

Answer 6

Vaccines stimulate white blood cells to produce antibodies complementary to the antigens on the pathogen.

Question 7

What is an advantage of vaccination?

Answer 7

Vaccination can prevent epidemics through herd immunity.

Question 8

What is a disadvantage of vaccination?

Answer 8

Bad reactions, such as fevers, can occur in response to vaccines, although they are very rare.

Question 9

What diseases have been eradicated or reduced by vaccinations?

Answer 9

Vaccinations have eradicated diseases like smallpox and reduced the occurrence of diseases like rubella.

Question 10

Are vaccinations always effective?

Answer 10

Vaccinations are not always effective in providing immunity.