Active/Passive immunity + Vaccinations Flashcards
what is active immunity?
production of antibodies from individuals own immune system
what are the two types of active immunity?
- natural
- artificial
what is natural active immnuity?
immune system activated naturally by infection
what is natural artificial immnuity?
immune system activated artificially by vaccine
what is the advantage of active immunity?
- long-term - produces memory cells
what is the advantage of artificial active immunity?
do not suffer symptoms of disease
what is passive immunity?
introduction of antibodies from outside source
what are the two types of passive immunity?
- natural
- artificial
what is natural passive immunity?
newborn infant gains antibodies from mother through placenta during pregnancy (IgG)
- first few days of birth - colostrum in breast milk - contains (IgA) antibodies
what is artificial passive immunity?
injection of antitoxin (preparation of antibodies)
what are the advantages of natural passive immunity?
- provides immediate immunity against initial infection
- gives time for child to build up immune system
what are the disadvantages of passive immunity?
- short term
- does not produce memory cells
what is a vaccine and how does it work?
- a small amount of dead/inactive pathogen injnected in blood
- stimulates immune response to produce antibodies
- if infected with particular disease, respond quickly
why is it important to have booster vaccinations?
- reactivate memory cells
- more antibodies produced because levels decrease over time
what factors need to be considered when building vaccination?
- cost
- side-effects/symptoms
- storage/transport
- training staff to administer vaccine
- herd immunity
