Infection control - pubic health and vaccinations

outline chain model of infection, with specific examples. describe the processes to minimise infection by targeting specific aspects of the chain model of infection. outline the role of the UKHSA in reducing infectious diseases

outline the chain model of infection

3 components: reservoir (source), vehicle (means of transmission) and susceptible person

give examples of reservoirs/sources of infection

animals, needles, airborne droplets, physical contact

give examples of susceptible people

children - underdeveloped immune systems

organ transplant patients - on immunosuppressants

cancer patients on chemotherapy

elderly - comorbidity

what are the 3 steps taken as a solution to control infections?

1. contain the source (isolation)

2. interrupt the transmission (insect nets, insect repellents)

3. reduce susceptibility of the host and/or number of susceptible hosts (get vaccinated)

define infection control

the processes and activities that identify and reduce the risks of acquiring and transmitting endemic or epidemic infections among individuals

define an endemic

a certain level of disease that is always present in a population

eg, flu in winter

define an epidemic and a pandemic

epidemic is a spike in the endemic of a disease

pandemic is a global epidemic

what does prophylaxis mean?

prevention

what does UKHSA stand for?

UK health security agency

what is the UKHSA’s role?

responsible for protecting every member of every community from the impact of infectious diseases, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear incidents and other health threats

list the 5 different types of vaccines

1. live attenuated - enough to cause a minor immune response (eg, flu nasal)

2. inactivated/killed

3. toxoid (inactivated toxin) - that would be released by bacteria and cause the disease

4. subunit/conjugate - components of a virus (eg, flu injection)

5. viral vector/genetic

what is active immunity?

protection that is produced by an individual’s own immune system and is usually long-lasting

what is passive immunity?

protection provided from the transfer of antibodies from immune individuals, most commonly across the placenta or less often from the transfusion of blood/blood products including immunoglobin

describe the cautions that are associated with vaccines

egg allergies - some vaccines contain egg protein

penicillin allergies - some vaccines contain antibiotics to reduce contamination at injection site

pregnant women

those with low neutrophil count (immunosuppressed) - eg, on cancer treatment - particularly dangerous to give live attenuated vaccine

what is vaccine hesitancy?

delay in acceptance or refusal of safe vaccines despite availability of vaccine services

what can cause vaccine hesitancy?

complex, context-specific factors that vary across time, place and different vaccines

in general: confidence, complacency, convenience

give examples of vaccines used at various stages of life

HPV give to people aged 12-13 years old as HPV is DNA virus found in 100% of cervical cancers