7.2.4 - Vaccination and Immunisation
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Introduction to Vaccination
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Today we are going to talk about vaccination. Can anyone tell me what they think vaccination does?
I think it's something that helps prevent diseases.
Exactly! Vaccinations introduce a harmless part of a germ or a weakened germ into our bodies. This helps our immune system recognize and remember how to fight the real germ if we encounter it later.
So, is that like how we remember things from school?
Yes, it’s very similar! That’s often referred to as immunological memory. Just like how you remember lessons, your immune system remembers the germs it has encountered.
How do vaccines actually work to make us immune?
Great question! Vaccines stimulate the production of antibodies and memory cells. For example, when you get a flu vaccine, your body produces antibodies specifically aimed at the flu virus.
And those antibodies help us if we get the flu later?
Exactly! If you're exposed to the flu virus later, those antibodies will spring into action, protecting you from getting sick.
In summary, vaccination builds the immune system's memory, enabling swift action against future infections.
Types of Immunization
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Now, let's talk about the two types of immunization: active and passive. Student_1, can you tell me what active immunization is?
Isn’t it when we get a vaccine to create our own antibodies?
That's correct! Active immunization occurs when you’re exposed to an antigen either through vaccination or previous illness, leading to your own body producing antibodies.
What about passive immunization?
Good question, Student_2! Passive immunization happens when you receive preformed antibodies. Can anyone give an example?
Like when a baby gets antibodies from breast milk?
Exactly! Breast milk provides antibodies, giving the infant temporary immunity. It's important for protection until the baby can get its vaccinations.
In review, active immunization requires time for the immune response, while passive immunization provides immediate protection.
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
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Vaccination relies on the immune system's memory to generate a strong defense against pathogens. By introducing either inactivated or weakened forms of pathogens, vaccines stimulate antibody production and prepare the immune system for future encounters, significantly reducing the incidence of diseases.
Detailed
Vaccination and Immunisation
Vaccination is a method of stimulating the immune system to prepare it for future infections. The principle of vaccination is rooted in the immune system's ability to remember past infections, known as immunological memory. When a vaccine, which contains antigens or weakened pathogens, is introduced into the body, it prompts the immune system to develop antibodies. These antibodies neutralize the pathogens during future exposures, effectively preventing infection.
Vaccines not only generate active immunity but also invoke the formation of memory B and T cells that respond rapidly upon re-exposure to the actual pathogen, leading to effective protection. In certain urgent cases such as exposure to toxins or venoms, passive immunization may be necessary, where preformed antibodies are administered directly. Advancements in biotechnology, particularly recombinant DNA technology, have further enhanced vaccine development, allowing for large-scale production and improved safety.
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Principle of Vaccination
Chapter 1 of 5
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Chapter Content
The principle of immunisation or vaccination is based on the property of ‘memory’ of the immune system. In vaccination, a preparation of antigenic proteins of pathogen or inactivated/weakened pathogen (vaccine) are introduced into the body.
Detailed Explanation
Vaccination leverages the immune system's ability to remember past infections. When a vaccine containing weakened or dead pathogens is introduced into the body, it stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies. This process creates an immunological 'memory' that allows the body to respond more effectively if exposed to the actual pathogen in the future.
Examples & Analogies
Think of vaccination like a dress rehearsal for a play. The actors (immune cells) practice their lines (antibodies) so that when the actual performance (real infection) comes, they react appropriately and seamlessly.
Role of Antibodies
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The antibodies produced in the body against these antigens would neutralise the pathogenic agents during actual infection.
Detailed Explanation
Antibodies are specialized proteins that the immune system creates in response to antigens found in pathogens. Once produced, these antibodies can recognize and bind to the pathogen during a real infection, marking it for destruction by other immune cells and preventing the disease from taking hold.
Examples & Analogies
Consider antibodies as security guards in a mall. Once they recognize a suspicious person (the pathogen), they alert the rest of the security team to take action and prevent any potential harm.
Formation of Memory Cells
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The vaccines also generate memory – B and T-cells that recognise the pathogen quickly on subsequent exposure and overwhelm the invaders with a massive production of antibodies.
Detailed Explanation
Vaccination leads to the generation of memory B and T cells specific to the pathogen. These memory cells remain in the body long after vaccination. Upon re-exposure to the same pathogen, these cells can spring into action quickly, producing large amounts of antibodies more rapidly than during the initial exposure. This rapid response prevents the illness from establishing.
Examples & Analogies
Think of memory cells like a saved contact on your phone. Once you've saved a contact, you can call them immediately without searching for their details again. Memory cells allow for a fast and efficient response the next time the body encounters the same pathogen.
Passive Immunisation
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If a person is infected with some deadly microbes to which quick immune response is required as in tetanus, we need to directly inject the preformed antibodies, or antitoxin (a preparation containing antibodies to the toxin).
Detailed Explanation
In situations where an immediate immune response is necessary, like in tetanus, healthcare providers may administer pre-formed antibodies directly. This form of protection is called passive immunisation. It does not create lasting immunity, but it provides immediate protection against the diseases.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine you need to put out a fire quickly. Instead of waiting for a fire truck (which represents your immune system), you grab a fire extinguisher (antibodies) to handle the emergency right away. This is akin to passive immunisation.
Advancements in Vaccine Development
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Recombinant DNA technology has allowed the production of antigenic polypeptides of pathogen in bacteria or yeast. Vaccines produced using this approach allow large scale production and hence greater availability for immunisation, e.g., hepatitis B vaccine produced from yeast.
Detailed Explanation
Recombinant DNA technology has enabled scientists to create vaccines that are both safe and effective. By using bacteria or yeast to produce parts of pathogen proteins, researchers can generate large quantities of vaccine components efficiently. This technology has revolutionized vaccine production, making vaccines more accessible to populations worldwide.
Examples & Analogies
It's like using a factory that specializes in making thousands of toys instead of trying to craft each toy by hand. This factory allows for quicker production and more toys available for everyone, similar to how recombinant technology increases vaccine availability.
Key Concepts
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Vaccination: Introduction of antigens to stimulate an immune response.
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Immunological Memory: The immune system's ability to remember pathogens.
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Active Immunization: Producing antibodies through exposure to antigens.
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Passive Immunization: Receiving preformed antibodies.
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Antigens: Substances that evoke an immune response.
Examples & Applications
Administering the flu vaccine to prevent influenza.
Newborns received antibodies through colostrum in mother's milk, providing passive immunity.
Memory Aids
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Rhymes
Vaccines build defenses, they make you strong, fight off the germs, you won’t be wrong.
Stories
Once there was a small town that faced an outbreak. The town doctor saved the day with a magical potion called the vaccine, teaching everyone how to fight the invaders from then on.
Memory Tools
A = Active immunity is your own body's fun, P = Passive means someone else gets it done.
Acronyms
I.V.A.P. - Immunization
Vaccination and Antibody Production.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Vaccination
The process of introducing a vaccine into the body to stimulate an immune response.
- Immunological Memory
The capacity of the immune system to remember past infections and respond more effectively to subsequent encounters.
- Active Immunization
Immunity gained through exposure to an antigen, either naturally or artificially via vaccination.
- Passive Immunization
Immunity that is obtained by the transfer of antibodies from another person or animal.
- Antigens
Substances that induce an immune response, typically part of pathogens.
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