Chapter 14 - Vaccines

Question 1

What is ACTIVE immunity?

Answer 1

Active immunity = acquired immunity

Process whereby the body has built up immunity against a particular virus and/or bacteria

Can be built up through natural disease exposure or vaccinations

Long-lasting immunity

Question 2

What is PASSIVE immunity?

Answer 2

Passive immunity is the transfer of ‘immunity’ (antibodies) through immune individuals. E.g transfer through placenta or breastmilk from mother to infant.

Can also have blood products including immunoglobulin

Protection is temporary (commonly for only a few weeks or months)

Question 3

Vaccines stimulate the production of antibodies and other components of the immune mechanism which results in providing immunological memory;

vaccines can be made via 4 mechanisms which invokes the immune response. What do the 4 mechanisms consist of?

Answer 3

1) live attenuated form of virus/ bacteria - body is injected with a live virus/ bacteria but does not produce the disease because the micro-organism is attenuated (weakened) e.g MMR vaccine
- produces a strong response; usually immune after 1 or 2 doses

2) inactivated - consist of ‘dead’ virus/bacteria e.g influenza vaccine
- produces a weaker response in comparison to live forms; multiple ‘booster’ doses may be required

3) detoxified endotoxins -