Level 2: Vaccines, Anticancer Drugs, and Biologic Response Modifiers – Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions from the lecture notes on vaccines, anticancer drugs, and biologic response modifiers.

Vaccination

Administration of antigen to stimulate the body’s immune response and confer protection against disease.

Inactivated Vaccine

A vaccine made from viruses or bacteria that have been killed so they cannot replicate or cause disease.

Attenuated (Live) Vaccine

A vaccine containing live organisms that have been weakened so they trigger immunity without causing illness.

mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine

Uses messenger RNA to instruct cells to produce SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, provoking an immune response against the virus.

Childhood Immunization Schedule (9 vaccines)

DTaP, Hib, PCV13, MMR, IPV, Varicella, RV, Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B.

Inactivated Flu Vaccine Administration

Given by intramuscular (IM) injection.

Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV) Administration

Delivered as an intranasal spray.

Live Virus Vaccines Contraindicated in Pregnancy

MMR, Varicella, Rotavirus, LAIV, and Zoster—all contain live attenuated viruses.

Common Mild Vaccine Reactions

Injection-site swelling or pain and low-grade fever.

General Contraindications to Vaccination

Moderate or severe acute illness or a history of anaphylaxis to a vaccine component or previous dose.

Provider Reporting Duties

Report adverse reactions after immunization and any vaccine-preventable diseases to health authorities.

National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (NVICP) Requirement

Providers must give patients the appropriate Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) before each immunization.

Varicella Vaccine Contraindications

Anaphylaxis history, moderate/severe illness, pregnancy, immunocompromise, malignancy, or use of immunosuppressive therapy.

Salicylate Avoidance After Varicella Vaccine

Children should avoid salicylates for 6 weeks to reduce the risk of Reye syndrome.

Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

Reactivation of latent varicella-zoster virus; the zoster vaccine is licensed for adults ≥50 years.

Rotavirus Infection

Causes gastroenteritis, leading to severe diarrhea and dehydration in infants and young children.

HPV Vaccine – Cancers Prevented

Protects against cervical, vulvar, vaginal, penile, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers; most effective before sexual activity begins.

Administering Multiple Vaccines

Use separate syringes and different injection sites; give all eligible vaccines during the same visit.

Managing Common Vaccine Side Effects

Apply a cold compress and administer acetaminophen as needed for pain or fever.

Anticancer Drug Target Tissues for Toxicity

Skin, hair follicles, gastrointestinal tract, mucous membranes, bone marrow, and reproductive cells.

Nadir (Hematologic)

Lowest blood cell counts occurring about 7–10 days after chemotherapy treatment.

Anemia Treatments in Chemotherapy

Ferrous sulfate supplementation, erythropoietin (EPO) therapy, or red blood cell transfusion.

Neutropenia Alert

Patients with low white-blood-cell counts should report fever or sore throat immediately.

Thrombocytopenia Signs

Bleeding, petechiae, and ecchymosis indicating low platelet counts.

GI Disturbances from Chemotherapy

Anorexia, nausea/vomiting, and diarrhea.

Mucositis (Stomatitis) Symptoms

Oral swelling, redness, pain, dry mouth, and white patches or coating.

Mucositis Symptomatic Treatments

Frequent mouth rinses, topical anesthetics, antibiotics/antifungals, ice chips, and use of a soft toothbrush.

Cyclophosphamide Hydration Need

Adequate fluid intake prevents hemorrhagic cystitis caused by toxic metabolites in the bladder.

Doxorubicin Monitoring

Patients receiving IV doxorubicin must be assessed for cardiotoxicity.

Vinca Alkaloid Neurotoxicity

Characterized by decreased strength, peripheral neuropathy (tingling/numbness), constipation, and motor instability.

Interferon-β-1a Indication

Used for immune modulation in multiple sclerosis.

Interferon Flu-Like Side Effects

Fever, chills, myalgia, headache, and malaise resemble influenza symptoms.

Premedication Before Interferons

Acetaminophen and diphenhydramine are commonly given to lessen side effects.

Erythropoietin (EPO) Action

Stimulates bone marrow to increase red blood cell production.

EPO Black-Box Warnings

Avoid use if hemoglobin exceeds 11 g/dL or in patients with a history of myocardial infarction or stroke.

Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor (G-CSF)

Promotes the synthesis and maturation of neutrophils to combat neutropenia.