Vaccination 2 Flashcards
Why is vaccination a preventative measure rather than a treatment?
It stimulates memory cell production before infection occurs, preventing disease rather than curing it
Why must vaccines have few side effects?
Unpleasant side effects may discourage people from getting vaccinated
Why must a vaccine be economically available in large quantities?
To ensure most of the vulnerable population can be immunised
What are the logistical requirements for a successful vaccination programme?
A reliable system for production, storage and transport, often requiring refrigeration and hygienic conditions
Why is proper administration of vaccines important?
Trained staff must deliver the vaccine correctly at the appropriate time
Why is vaccinating the vast majority of the population necessary?
To achieve herd immunity, reducing the spread of the disease
What is herd immunity?
Herd immunity is when a large proportion of the population is vaccinated, making it difficult for the pathogen to spread
How does herd immunity protect unvaccinated individuals?
The chance of an unvaccinated individuals encountering an infected individual is very low
Why is herd immunity important?
Some individuals cannot be vaccinated, such as newborns, the ill or those with compromised immune systems
Why can’t everyone in a population be vaccinated?
Some people such as babies or the immunocompromised, may not safely develop immunity
Why does the required vaccination percentage for herd immunity vary?
Different diseases have different transmission rates, affecting how easily they spread
Why should vaccinations be carried out at the same time?
To interrupt pathogen transmission, reducing the number of infected individuals quickly
Why might vaccination fail to induce immunity in some people?
Some individuals have defective immune systems, preventing them from developing immunity
How can individuals spread a disease after vaccination?
If they are infected just before or after vaccination, they may harbour and transmit the pathogen
How does antigenic variability affect vaccination success?
Frequent mutations change the pathogen’s antigens, making previous vaccines ineffective
Why is it difficult to develop a vaccine for the common cold?
There are over 100 different strains ,and new ones constantly evolve
How do some pathogens evade the immune system?
They hide inside cells, or in places out of reach
Why may individuals object to a vaccination?
Individuals may object due to their religious, ethical or medical reasons
Why is the use of animals in vaccine production ethically debated?
Some argue it is unethical to test on animals, while others believe it is necessary for medical progress
Why is it controversial to test vaccines only in affected countries?
It may exploit vulnerable populations, but also provides potential life saving benefits
