Vaccines Flashcards
(28 cards)
What is passive immunity?
Receiving antibodies or immune cells from another immune individual; provides temporary protection.
What is active immunity?
Developing immunity after exposure to an antigen; includes natural exposure or vaccination.
Give an example of natural passive immunity.
Maternal antibodies transferred through placenta or breast milk.
How does passive immunity differ from active immunity?
Passive is immediate and short-term; active is slower but long-lasting with memory.
What is the only physiological example of passive immunity?
Transfer of maternal antibodies to a newborn.
What is an example of artificial passive immunity?
Monoclonal antibody therapy.
What is the goal of vaccination?
To develop long-term protection by stimulating an active immune response without causing disease.
Who discovered the first vaccine?
Dr. Edward Jenner in 1796, using cowpox to protect against smallpox.
What disease was eradicated through vaccination?
Smallpox (eradicated in 1972 in the U.S.).
What are live attenuated vaccines?
Vaccines made from weakened pathogens that still replicate in the host.
What are the pros of live attenuated vaccines?
Strong, long-lasting immunity; usually no booster required.
What are the cons of live attenuated vaccines?
May revert to pathogenic form; requires cold storage; more side effects.
Give an example of a live attenuated vaccine.
Measles vaccine.
What are inactivated (killed) vaccines?
Vaccines made from pathogens that cannot replicate.
What are the advantages of inactivated vaccines?
No risk of reversion to virulence; more stable for transport and storage.
What are the disadvantages of inactivated vaccines?
Weaker immune response; often require boosters; limited cell-mediated immunity.
What are toxoid vaccines?
Vaccines made from inactivated bacterial toxins (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria).
What are the pros of toxoid vaccines?
Stimulate strong antibody-mediated immunity.
What are the cons of toxoid vaccines?
Require multiple doses; do not activate cell-mediated immunity.
What are mRNA vaccines?
Vaccines that use synthetic mRNA to direct cells to make a viral protein, triggering an immune response.
How do mRNA vaccines work?
Cells produce a viral protein using the mRNA instructions, which the immune system recognizes as foreign.
What are advantages of mRNA vaccines?
Fast production; lab-based development; stimulate both arms of the immune system.
What are common causes of vaccine hesitancy?
Misinformation, distrust due to unethical research, healthcare inequalities, and social/economic barriers.
What are some social factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy?
Lack of education, online misinformation, historical medical mistreatment, and limited access to care.
