Vaccines P2 Flashcards
Combination vaccines
“Consist of 2 or more antigens in the same preparation
May reduce costs (vaccines or office visits)
Examples: MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) and DTwP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis)”
General components of a vaccine
Antigens, Stabilizers, Adjuvants
Function of adjuvants in a vaccine
“Added to stimulate the production of antibodies against the vaccine to make it more effective
Most often used in inactivated vaccines
Example: aluminum salts
”
Function of Antibiotics in a vaccine
Trace amounts are used during the manufacturing phase to prevent bacterial contamination of the tissue culture cells in which viruses are grown
Function of Preservatives in a vaccine
“Added to multidose vaccines to prevent bacterial and fungal growth
Example: thiomersal or formaldehyde”
Characteristics of a vaccine
“Produce protective immunity, with only minimal side effects
Be immunogenic enough to produce a strong and measurable immune response
Be stable during its shelf life, with potency remaining at a proper level”
Factors influencing vaccinations
Age, individual immune status
How does age influence vaccinations
Vaccines are administered to the youngest individuals at risk for the targeted disease, as long as effectiveness and safety of the vaccine have been demonstrated in that age group
How does Immune status influence vaccinations
Live vaccines are contraindicated in immunodeficient individuals
host response to a vaccination
“Vaccines are designed to mimic the effects of natural exposure to microbes
Possible adverse effects such as local or systemic inflammatory response
Hypersensitivity response (usually due to vaccine additives)
Over time, vaccine-induced immunity wanes; may increase susceptibility later in life
Use of booster (or second dose) may improve protection from both primary vaccine failures and waning vaccine-induced immunity”
Active vs passive acquired immunity
“Antibody-mediated immunity to infection may be acquired:
If antibodies are formed by the host (Active Immunity)
OR
If antibodies are received from another source (Passive Immunity)”
Natural active immunity vs Artificial active immunity
“Acquired by natural exposure in response to an infection or natural series of infection (Natural immunity)
OR
Through intentional injection of an antigen (Artificial immunity or Vaccination)
Stimulation of antibody production and memory without contracting the disease
Long duration of immune response”
