[Unit 5.6] | Vaccination

Question 1

Explain the 2 forms of specific natural immunity. (Active & Passive)

Answer 1

• Natural Active: Antigens enter the body naturally & the body responds by producing antibodies.

• Natural Passive: Antibodies pass from mother to fetus via the placenta or breast milk.

Question 2

Explain the 2 forms of specific artificial immunity. (Active & Passive)

Answer 2

• Active: Antigens are introduced via vaccines. The body produces antibodies in response.

• Passive: Preformed antibodies from an immune serum injected into body.

Question 3

What is vaccination?

Answer 3

• Introducing disease antigens into the body to trigger an immune response, producing memory cells.

Question 4

What are some (5) features of a successful vaccination program?

Answer 4

• Economically available
• Limited side-effects
• Means of production, storage and transportation must be available.
• Means of administering the vaccine quickly
• Produces herd immunity

Question 5

What is herd immunity?

Answer 5

• When pathogens cannot easily spread through the population as most people are immune.

Question 6

List 6 reasons why vaccination programs may not eliminate a pathogen.

Answer 6

• Failure to induce immunity (such as in those with weak immune systems)

• People may become infected before the vaccine can provide immunity and spread the pathogen.

• Frequent mutations (causing antigenic variability)

• Many varieties of a pathogen

• Pathogens ‘hide’ from the immune system (inside cells or in obscure locations)

• Scaremongering or religious concerns may prevent people taking vaccines.

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Question 7

What are the ethical concerns of vaccinations?

Answer 7

• Animal testing
• Potential long-term side effects
• Should vaccinations be compulsory?