Vaccines & Immunization & Drug Resistance

Vaccination

Medical intervention that protects against infectious diseases by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies; provides active immunity without causing illness

How Vaccines Work

Contain dead (inactivated) or weakened (live attenuated) pathogens; immune system recognizes antigens → produces antibodies → immune memory

Common Vaccine Reactions

Headache, fever, upset stomach, irritability, mild rash; manage with acetaminophen (Tylenol) 24–48 hrs post-vaccination

CDC Immunization Schedule: Birth

Hepatitis B

CDC Immunization Schedule: 2–6 Months

DTaP, Hib, IPV, PCV13, Rotavirus

CDC Immunization Schedule: 12–18 Months

Boosters (DTaP, Hib, PCV13), MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis A

CDC Immunization Schedule: 4–6 Years

Boosters (DTaP, IPV, MMR, Varicella)

CDC Immunization Schedule: Annual & Adolescents

Influenza (6 mo+), Adolescents: HPV, Meningococcal (MenACWY), Tdap booster

CDC Immunization Schedule: Adults 59+

Herpes zoster (shingles)

Drug Resistance

Ability of microorganisms to survive despite anti-infective or antimicrobial drugs; caused by genetic mutations and antibiotic misuse; leads to harder-to-treat infections and multi-drug resistant strains

Prevention Strategies for Drug Resistance

Avoid unnecessary antibiotics; complete prescribed courses; use most specific antibiotic; prioritize first-line drugs; enhance infection control

Forward-Looking Solutions to Drug Resistance

Develop new antibiotics; create vaccines to reduce infections; regulate antibiotic use in agriculture

Pathogen Transmission Routes

Ingestion, inhalation, physical contact; pathogens can survive on surfaces like desks, doorknobs, pencils

Best Prevention Method

Handwashing — most effective for preventing pathogen transmission; critical when preparing medications

Anti-Infective

Drugs that fight infections caused by microorganisms (antimicrobials); includes antibacterials, antivirals, antifungals

Special Focus: Tuberculosis

Caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis; treated with isoniazid (INH); drug-resistant strains emerging

Special Focus: Antivirals

Used for HIV/AIDS (antiretrovirals) and influenza; block viral replication enzymes