Vaccination Flashcards
Vaccination
The introduction of antigens container in a vaccine into the body (usually by mouth of injection) to stimulate artificial, active immunity.
In what form antigens inserted into the the immune system?
Dead or weakened pathogen so the vaccine does not give rise to a full-scale infection with symptoms.
What response does the presence of antigens induce?
A primary response
What are Booster vaccinations used for?
Can be given over time to make sure the memory cells are still in the body.
Why are vaccines continuously being changed?
As the antigens are evolving at a very rapid rate.
Pathogens evolve to avoid detection by the immune system. This causes a problem because it makes the vaccines useless.
What cells provide long-lasting immunity?
Memory cells
What type of cells are produced at the end of a primary immune response?
Memory cells
Herd immunity
The concept that if enough people in a population have immunity against a disease, the entire population are less likely to be infected.
Which members of the population does herd immunity protect?
The elderly and new borns
What percentage of the population must be vaccinated to provide herd immunity for highly contagious diseases?
90%
