Vaccination

Question 1

What is the nature of vaccines?

Answer 1

-Appropriate dead/inactive antigens are introduced in solution to the blood
-Immune response (T/B lymphocytes) is generated
-Memory cells are introduced from B-lymphocytes
-A greater and more immediate response can then be generated if infected later on

Question 2

What are the features of an effective vaccination programme?

Answer 2

-A suitable vaccine must be economically available in sufficient quantities to immunise most of the population
-There must be few, if any side effects
-Means of producing, storing and transporting the vaccine must be available
-The necessary training and guidance must be given to those giving the vaccines
-It must be possible to vaccinate the vast majority of the population

Question 3

What are the reasons for vaccinations rarely eliminating a disease?

Answer 3

-Vaccinations fail to induce immunity in certain individuals
-Individuals may develop the disease immediately after vaccination (Before immunity levels are higher enough)
-The pathogen may mutate (Making immunity short lived)
-There may be too many varieties of a pathogen, making it difficult to develop a vaccine suitable to tackle them all
-Certain pathogens aren’t available to be reached by antibodies (e,g, cholera)
-Individuals may object to vaccines on ethical or religious reasons

Question 4

What are ethical issues associated with vaccines?

Answer 4

-Use of animals
-Side effects causing long term sickness
-Testing on volunteers
-Location of vaccine trial
-Compulsory or voluntary dilemma