PHAR1059 – Vaccines Lecture Review

29 Question-and-Answer flashcards covering key concepts from the PHAR1059 vaccine lecture.

Approximately how many vaccines currently exist for the prevention of infectious illnesses?

More than 20.

Which Canadian organization publishes the Canadian Immunization Guide and leads national pandemic-preparedness planning?

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).

Why might someone receive a yellow-fever or rabies vaccine even if it is not on the routine schedule?

Because certain vaccines are required only for travel to specific regions or for unique risk situations.

What percentage reduction in measles cases occurred after vaccine introduction in Canada?

More than 99 %.

Define the term "vaccine" in immunology.

A solution containing live-attenuated, killed, or otherwise modified microorganisms that induces artificially acquired active immunity against a specific pathogen.

What is a toxoid and give one example.

An inactivated bacterial exotoxin that can still stimulate the immune system to produce antitoxin; e.g., tetanus toxoid.

Differentiate between vaccine and immunization.

A vaccine is the substance administered; immunization is the process of inducing immunity via a vaccine, toxoid (active) or antiserum (passive).

Which type of immunization—involves the body’s own antibody production and usually gives long-term protection?

Active immunization.

What is the principal limitation of passive immunization?

It provides only temporary protection because no memory cells are formed.

Name the two main cell types created when B lymphocytes encounter an antigen during vaccination.

Memory B cells and plasma cells.

List three general contraindications to receiving any vaccine.

Active infection, febrile illness, or a prior serious reaction to that vaccine.

Which component allergy precludes Hepatitis B or HPV vaccination?

Allergy to yeast.

Why are live-attenuated vaccines such as MMR generally avoided during pregnancy?

Because the live virus poses a potential risk to the developing fetus.

Why do most vaccines require multiple doses or boosters?

To achieve and maintain adequate, persistent antibody levels for optimal protection.

At what Ontario school grade is the meningococcal Men-C-ACYW vaccine routinely given?

Grade 7 (approximately age 12).

Which three vaccines are recommended annually for adults aged 65 + in Ontario?

Influenza (annually), Herpes Zoster (HZ), and Pneumococcal-23 (Pneu-P-23).

What is the routine booster schedule for tetanus and diphtheria (Td) after age 24?

Every 10 years.

Give two key nursing actions before administering a vaccine.

1) Ask about previous adverse reactions or pregnancy; 2) Educate the client on vaccine purpose and schedule.

Why must epinephrine be readily available during vaccination clinics?

To treat potential anaphylactic or severe hypersensitivity reactions promptly.

What storage error could render a vaccine ineffective?

Allowing it to be kept outside the manufacturer-specified temperature range (cold chain breach).

How would you advise a client managing expected post-injection arm pain?

Apply a cold compress, move the arm gently, and consider acetaminophen or ibuprofen if not contraindicated.

True or False: Patients and parents can legally refuse vaccines in Ontario.

True; informed refusal is allowed, and the nurse must respect autonomy while providing education.

What does a post-vaccination titre measure?

The concentration of specific antibodies in the blood, indicating immunity level.

Which vaccine is given orally to infants at 2 and 4 months in Ontario?

Rotavirus (Rot-5).

Name two diseases covered by the combined DTaP-IPV-Hib vaccine.

Diphtheria and Pertussis (also tetanus, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b).

What key concept explains why vaccination protects against future infection?

Immunological memory: memory cells and circulating antibodies rapidly respond on re-exposure.

Identify one reason infants receive many vaccines in the first year of life.

Because their immature immune systems need protection during a period of high vulnerability to severe infections.

Why is proper documentation of each administered vaccine essential?

It ensures accurate medical records, guides future scheduling, and provides proof of immunization for schools or travel.

What nurse instruction addresses parents’ fear that a child will "get the disease" from the vaccine?

Explain that vaccines use weakened or inactive components that cannot cause the full disease but train the immune system safely.