Patho/Pharm Exam 1: Vaccines

immunization controversy

link of immunizations and autism due to thimersal

vaccines

biologic formations of antigens that stimulate production of protective antibodies

benefits of vaccines

safe and effective protective immune responses

downside of vaccines

1st round of shot may not be effective and boosters may be needed

artificial active immunity

body is exposed to a safe form of an antigen that does not cause the illness but allows immune system to store the memory for future use (vaccines)

natural active immunity

immunity is gained after a person has the disease and survices it

herd immunity

when enough people are immune the disease spread is reduced

biological antimicrobial drugs

antitoxins, antisera, toxoids and vaccins

purpose of biologicals

prevent, treat or cure infections

antitoxins

neutralize toxins made by microbes

antisera

provide pre made antibodies

toxoids and vaccines

immunizing biologics that target specific infectious microorganisms

toxoids

weakened exotoxins that act as antigens

purpose of toxoids

cannot become toxic again, stimulate the body to produce a specific antibody, provide artificial active immunity

artificial passive immunity

injection of serum or concentrated antibodies that bypasses the persons immune system and provides immediate protection

natural passive immunity

antibodies from mother are transfered to the baby to give the baby temporary protection

types of passive immunizing drugs

antitoxins, immunoglobulins, antivenins

antitoxins

purified antiserum from animals injected with a toxin to neautralize the toxin in humans

immunoglobulins

concentrayed antibodies from blood donors and provides immediate protection

antivenins

contains antibodies against snake or spider venom and minimizes effects of venom posiining

inactivated drugs example

hepatitis B virus vaccine

influenza vaccine

needs to be given each year a year before the flue season and is the number one way to control the flu