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What is a Vaccine?

A harmless variant of a pathogen that stimulates a host's immune system to mount defenses against the pathogen.

What does Vaccination entail?

A procedure that presents the immune system with a harmless variant of a pathogen, stimulating a long-term defense against it.

What is Inoculation?

The introduction of a pathogen or antigen into a living organism to stimulate the production of antibodies.

What are Toxoids?

Immunizations created using inactivated toxins.

What is Recombinant DNA?

A DNA molecule made in vitro with segments from different sources.

What are Live, Attenuated Vaccines?

Vaccines that use a weakened form of the disease-causing agent to promote an immune response.

What is the difference between Killed or Inactivated Vaccines and Live, Attenuated Vaccines?

Killed or inactivated vaccines use a killed version of the pathogen, while live, attenuated vaccines use a weakened form.

What does the term "booster shot" mean?

An additional shot administered after the initial dose to strengthen the immune response.

What is the purpose of the meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY)?

It protects against four types of meningococcal bacteria (A, C, W, & Y) in all kids and teens age 11 years and older.

Why are MMR and DTaP vaccines given multiple times?

To strengthen a child’s immune system and provide lasting immune responses.

What is Herd Immunity?

When more individuals are immune, it decreases disease incidence and occurrence of the pathogen, providing indirect protection.

What is the role of Epidemiologists?

They monitor the health of populations and search for patterns in disease.

What does Epidemiology study?

The incidence, distribution, and control of disease in a population.

What is the difference between a Cohort Study and a Case-Control Study?

In a Cohort Study, exposed and non-exposed individuals are followed over time; in a Case-Control Study, individuals with the disease are compared to those without it.

What are mRNA Vaccines?

Vaccines that direct cells to produce a protein associated with a pathogen.

What is a Plasmid?

A small ring of DNA that carries accessory genes separate from those of the bacterial chromosome.

What are the two kinds of bacterial meningitis vaccines?

The meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY) and the meningococcal B vaccine (MenB).