Vaccination Flashcards

Flashcards to review the vaccination process and its effects on the immune system.

What happens during vaccination?

An altered form of a pathogen is injected into the body.

What releases complimentary antibodies during vaccination?

White blood cells release antibodies that are complimentary to the specific antigen.

How do antibodies affect pathogens?

The antibodies attach to the pathogens and clump them together for engulfment by white blood cells.

What is phagocytosis?

The process where white blood cells engulf pathogens.

What happens to antibody concentration during the primary infection?

During the primary infection, antibody concentration increases slowly, peaks around ten days, and then gradually decreases.

What happens during a second exposure to the same pathogen?

A second exposure causes white blood cells to respond quickly and produce lots of antibodies to prevent infection

What do vaccines introduce into the body?

Vaccines introduce a dead or altered form of a disease-causing pathogen containing a specific antigen.

What part of the immune system creates complimentary antibodies?

The immune system, particularly white blood cells, produces complementary antibodies.

How do antibodies target antigens?

The antibodies target the antigen and create memory cells for future encounters.

What are some side effects of vaccinations?

Mild symptoms of fever and swelling at injection sites, and sometimes allergic reactions.

What outweighs the risks of any injection?

The risk of contracting a serious disease is far greater.

How does vaccination affect herd immunity?

Immunizing increases herd immunity, protecting those unable to be vaccinated.