Module 2: The Immune System Flashcards
What is innate/natural immunity?
- A non-specific immune response
- 1st line of defense
- Rapid
- Triggered by threat by pathogen
- No different response on re-exposure to the same antigen
What is adaptive/aquired immunity?
- A specific immune response
- 2nd line of defense
- Slow to develop
- Triggered by exposure to antigen
- Rapid response on re-exposure
Why must vaccines not be delayed for tamariki?
Infants should receive protection when they are at their most vulnerable. (first year of life).
Infants with delayed vaccines are more likely to be admitted to hospital with vaccine-preventable disease
Why due babies need vaccines at birth? (Hint: naive)
- Infants have a naive immune system that needs exposure to antigens to develop
What is maternally acquired immunity?
Immunity that a newborn has from their mother. Does not protect against all infections. Temporary immunity.
What are some factors that cause waning of immunity? (loss of antibodies over time)
- pathogen type
- vaccine type
- decline in natural boosting
- comorbidities and the person’s age.
How many antigens are newborns exposed to during childbirth vs from 1st-year vaccines?
Over a million (from vagina, skin, and anus) vs 7