Vaccination and Immunization

• Antigen


  Protein on the outside of a cell that identifies it as foreign or belonging to the body
• Antibody

  Protein produced by white blood cells (B lymphocytes) to clump and destroy viruses and bacteria
• Pathogen


  Any disease-causing microorganism
• Vaccine


  The physical injection of a substance into the body
• Vaccinate


  The process of administering a vaccine
• Active immunity

  Immunity gained by being exposed to and responding to a pathogen
• Passive immunity


  Immunity gained by receiving antibodies from another source, such as breastfeeding or an antibody serum
• Immune response to vaccines with dead/weakened pathogens

  1. Injection with dead/weakened bacteria or virus

  2. Triggers immune response to produce antibodies

  3. Creates immunological memory
• Immune response to mRNA vaccines

  1. Inject mRNA with 'recipe' for antigen

  2. Cells produce antigen

  3. Immune system produces antibodies

  4. Creates immunological memory
• Vaccination


  The physical process of administering a vaccine
• Immunization


  The outcome of vaccination, where the body develops immunity
• Vaccines can provide active immunity by exposing the body to pathogens in a safe way
• Passive immunity provides temporary protection by receiving antibodies from another source