Vaccination Flashcards
What is immunity?
The ability of an organism to resist infection
What is immunisation?
The process by which you can develop immunity
What are the two forms of immunity?
Passive and active immunity
How is passive immunity produced?
Passive immunity is produced by the introduction of antibodies into individuals from an outside source
Why is passive immunity short - lived?
The body does not produce antibodies itself, so no memory cells are formed
What are the three features of passive immunity?
- Passive immunity has no direct contact with the pathogen/its antigens
- Immunity is acquired immediately
- No long lasting immunity
Give two examples of passive immunity: (prego + animals)
Antivenom for snake bites
Maternal antibodies passed to the fetus via the placenta
What is active immunity?
The type of immunity acquired when your immune system makes its own antibodies after being stimulated by an antigen
How is active immunity produced?
Active immunity produced by stimulating the production of antibodies by individuals’ own immune system
Why is active immunity long lasting?
Memory cells are produced, allowing a faster secondary response
What are the four features of active immunity?
- They are produced by stimulating the production of antibodies by individuals’ own immune system
- Direct contact with pathogen/its antigen is needed
- Immunity takes time to develop
- Generally long lasting
What is natural active immunity?
Immunity achieved when an individual becomes infected with a disease under normal circumstances
What is artificial active immunity?
Immunity achieved after given a vaccination containing a harmless does of antigen, where the immune system is stimulated without symptoms
What is vaccination?
The introduction of disease antigens into the body to stimulate an immune response
What is the purpose of vaccination?
To produce memory cells, allowing a rapid and strong immune response to future infections
How does vaccination protect whole populations?
It reduces the spread of disease, leading to herd immunity
What is a vaccine?
A substance containing one or more antigens from pathogens to trigger an immune response
Why does vaccination provide a long term immunity?
This is because it produces memory cells that allow a faster secondary response to infection
Why does the immune response to vaccination cause few or no symptoms?
This is because only a small amount of antigen is introduced, leading to a slight initial response
