Immunisation and Vaccination (Extended Response)

What is recombinant DNA Technology ?

It involves combining DNA from different organisms. A gene coding for an antigen is inserted into a plasmid, introduced into a host cell (e.g bacteria), which expresses the antigen used in vaccines.

How is recombinant DNA used to create a vaccine?

The antigen gene is inserted into a plasmid which is then introduced into a host cell to produce the antigen, triggering an immune response.

What is mRNA vaccine production?

mRNA coding for an antigen is synthesised in the lab and injected into the body, where host cells use it to produce the antigen and trigger an immune response

How does mRNA vaccine production differ from traditional methods?

Traditional methods use whole or parts of pathogens. mRNA vaccines use genetic instructions for antigens, skipping the need to grow the virus.

What is one risk of new vaccine technologies like mRNA?

Potential unknown long term side effects due to limited historical data.

How do recombinant vaccines trigger immunity?

What are the 4 traditional vaccine types?

1. Live attenuated
2. Inactivated (killed)
3. Toxoid
4. Subunit

Give one strength and one limitation of each traditional vaccine type.

• Live: Strong immunity / Risky for immunocompromised

• Inactivated: Safe / Weaker response

• Toxoid: Targets toxins / Often needs boosters

• Subunit: Very safe / Less robust immunity

What social factors affect immunisation uptake?

Misinformation, peer influence, level of education, personal beliefs

What cultural factors affect vaccination decisions?

Religious beliefs, cultural norms about health/medicine, historical mistrust in health systems.

What economic factors affect vaccine access?

Cost of vaccines, healthcare funding, infrastructure, ability to take time off work.

What are local challenges to vaccine programs?

Rural access, healthcare staff shortages, cold-chain storage issues

What are global challenges to vaccination success?

Political instability, war, misinformation, global inequity in vaccine supply.