Vaccinations

Flashcards about vaccinations

Immunisation

Programming the immune system so that the body can respond rapidly to infecting microorganisms

Vaccination

The artificial introduction of antigens (of a pathogen) so that the person acquires the ability to produce antibodies without having to suffer from the disease

Vaccine

The antigen preparation used in artificial immunity

Live attenuated vaccine

Contains living but weakened microorganisms (reduced virulence). Examples: vaccines for polio, tuberculosis, measles, mumps, yellow fever

Inactivated vaccine

Contains dead microorganisms, immunity produced is shorter lasting than live attenuated. Examples: cholera, typhoid, whooping cough

Toxoid vaccine

Contains inactivated toxins produced by bacteria. Examples: diphtheria, tetanus

Sub-unit vaccine

Contains a fragment of the microorganism. Examples: HPV, hepatitis B

Recombinant/DNA vaccines

Vaccines currently being investigated/studied for future use in vaccinations

Recombinant vaccine (method 1)

Modifying the DNA of the pathogen to make it less virulent

Recombinant vaccine (method 2)

Insert certain genes from pathogen (e.g., surface antigen or protein coat of virus) into a bacterial plasmid and insert the plasmid into yeast or insect cells; these cells produce the antigen or the protein coat which can be collected and used in a vaccine

DNA vaccine

DNA for the antigen is introduced in the vaccine. DNA should be incorporated into host cell's, which will then produce the antigen

Vaccine delivery (common method)

Injection into muscle tissue

Reason for injection into muscle tissue

Muscle has a good blood supply to distribute the vaccine rapidly through the body; Muscles contain immune cells; Usually near a lymph node e.g., in armpit

Timing of most vaccinations

Most vaccinations do not start until the child is two months old

Reason for delayed start (most vaccinations)

Child’s blood contains antibodies from mother which can eliminate the antigens before an immune response can occur; Child's immune system needs to become activated so they do not get sick from the disease they are being vaccinated against

Exception to standard vaccination timing

Hepatitis B – given soon after birth due to risk of infection during birth

Booster shots

A second vaccination that will boost antibody levels

Function of booster shot

Memory cells will react quickly to the second exposure, producing a higher volume of long-lasting antibodies

Herd immunity

When there are a large number of immune individuals in a population, there is less chance of the disease being transmitted between them. Results in protection of the entire community, including individuals who cannot be vaccinated.

Vaccination benefits

Protects individual and population from preventable diseases; Reduced cost of living e.g., health-care

WA Vaccination requirements

Requirement for enrolment in child-care and some educational establishments

Health issues influencing vaccination decisions

Risk of allergic reaction usually in response to the medium in which the vaccine was cultured (e.g., egg protein, yeast); Risk of fainting, usually due to the vaccination process rather than the vaccine itself

Social issues influencing vaccination decisions

Ethical concerns with the use of animals or human tissue; Concerns about promoting sexual activity in teenagers

Cultural factors influencing vaccination decisions

Religious beliefs; Methods used to produce vaccines may be against some religious beliefs

Economic factors influencing vaccination decisions

Cost of vaccine may be too expensive; Commercialisation interests of commercial vaccine production may affect its use