B3- Fighting Disease- Vaccination Flashcards
What is the primary purpose of vaccination?
To prevent future infections by preparing the immune system
What do vaccinations typically involve?
Injecting small amounts of dead or inactive pathogens
What do the antigens in vaccines do?
Cause the body to produce antibodies
What does the MMR vaccine protect against?
Measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles)
How do white blood cells react after vaccination when exposed to live pathogens?
They can rapidly mass-produce antibodies to kill off the pathogen
List some communicable diseases that vaccines have helped control in the UK.
- Polio
- Measles
- Whooping cough
- Rubella
- Mumps
- Tetanus
What is a significant benefit of widespread vaccination in a population?
Prevention of epidemics by reducing the number of people who can spread the disease
True or False: Smallpox still occurs in the UK.
False
What percentage reduction in polio infections has been observed?
99%
What is a potential downside of vaccinations?
Vaccines don’t always work and may not provide immunity
What are some possible reactions to vaccines?
- Swelling
- Fever
- Seizures
Fill in the blank: Vaccines can prevent ________ if a large percentage of the population is vaccinated.
epidemics
What is a rare but possible serious reaction to vaccines?
Seizures
