Vaccines

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Created by
nehal wadhwa

Cards (12)

  • How do vaccines work?
    Vaccines contain weakened or inactive parts of pathogens, which stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies specific to those pathogens. These antibodies help the body recognize and fight off the actual pathogen if encountered in the future. By training the immune system to respond effectively, vaccines provide immunity against diseases without causing illness.
    • Vaccination not only protects the individual but also contributes to community immunity, benefiting those who cannot be vaccinated.
  • Herd immunity occurs when a large portion of the population is vaccinated, reducing the spread of pathogens and protecting those who cannot be vaccinated due to health conditions. It is crucial for safeguarding vulnerable individuals who may not be able to receive vaccines.
    • Vaccines contain weakened or inactive parts of pathogens (antigens), which prompt the immune system to respond without causing the disease. Some vaccines require multiple doses to stimulate long-lasting immunity and memory cell production.
    • Memory cells are created during the immune response, which remember the pathogen and facilitate a faster and more effective antibody response upon subsequent exposures.
    • Pathogens are harmful organisms that can cause disease in susceptible individuals.
    • The body's second line of defense, known as the immune system, is triggered when a pathogen infects the body.
  • Second line of defense
    The immune system
  • Immune system response to pathogen infection
    1. Produces antibodies
    2. Antibodies are specific to antigens (subparts of pathogens)
    3. Antibodies act as soldiers to fight off invading pathogens
  • Initially, it takes time for the immune system to respond and produce antibodies specific to a new antigen, leaving the person susceptible to illness
  • Antibodies working with the immune system
    1. Destroy the pathogen
    2. Stop the disease
  • Antibodies created in response to one pathogen generally do not protect against other pathogens, except when the pathogens are very similar