Immunisation Flashcards
Define ‘immunisation’
The process of administering an antigen, usually derived from a pathogenic organism so as to induce specific active protection against the disease caused by that organism.
Outline the development of the immune system
At birth is immunologically naïve, placental transfer of IgG in 3rd trimester (passive protection), IgA in breast milk blocks bacterial adhesion, IgM is first antibody produced in immune response
What does innate immunity involve?
Phagocytes, mast cells, dendritic cells, Toll-like receptors, lectins, C3b and Fc receptors
What does adaptive immunity involve?
B-lymphocytes: antigen receptor is antibody, T lymphocytes: CD4 (helpers) and CD8 (cytotoxic), clonal deletion and clonal expansion
What is the dangers to an individual and to the herd of choosing against immunisation
Could contract infection or lead another individual (who isn’t vaccinated) to getting the infection due to herd immunity not being to a great enough percentage.
Define ‘vaccination’
involves active immunisation
Define ‘active immunisation’
vaccine you get changes immune system so you react better next time
Define ‘passive immunisation’
will protect you but you won’t have changed your immune system
What are the features of an effective vaccine?
- Safety – must not cause illness or death
- Protection – must protect against pathogen exposure
- Longevity – should give long-lasting protection
- Neutralising antibodies – these must be induced to protect against pathogens such as polio,and many toxins and venoms
- Protective T cells – must be induced to protect against pathogens such as TB
- Practicality – must be cheap to produce and easy to administer
What vaccinations are given at 8 weeks of age?
- 5 in 1 vaccine (diphtheria, tetanus, polio, pertussis – whooping cough, Hib)
- Pneumococcal
- Meningitis B
- Rotavirus (gastroenteritis)
What vaccinations are given at 12 weeks of age?
- 2nd dose of 5 in 1 vaccine
- Meningitis C
- 2nd dose of Rotavirus
What vaccinations are given at 16 weeks of age?
- 3rd dose of 5 in 1 vaccine
- 2nd dose of Meningitis B
- 2nd dose of pneumococcal
What vaccinations are given at 1 year of age?
- Booster for Meningitis C (2nd) and Hib (3rd)
- 3rd dose of pneumococcal
- MMR vaccine
- 3rd dose of Meningitis B vaccine
What vaccinations are given at 2-6 years of age?
• Influenza vaccine each September
What vaccinations are given at ~3 years of age?
- 2nd dose of MMR
* Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and polio (4th doses)