Immunisation

Question 1

Define ‘immunisation’

Answer 1

The process of administering an antigen, usually derived from a pathogenic organism so as to induce specific active protection against the disease caused by that organism.

Question 2

Outline the development of the immune system

Answer 2

At birth is immunologically naïve, placental transfer of IgG in 3rd trimester (passive protection), IgA in breast milk blocks bacterial adhesion, IgM is first antibody produced in immune response

Question 3

What does innate immunity involve?

Answer 3

Phagocytes, mast cells, dendritic cells, Toll-like receptors, lectins, C3b and Fc receptors

Question 4

What does adaptive immunity involve?

Answer 4

B-lymphocytes: antigen receptor is antibody, T lymphocytes: CD4 (helpers) and CD8 (cytotoxic), clonal deletion and clonal expansion

Question 5

What is the dangers to an individual and to the herd of choosing against immunisation

Answer 5

Could contract infection or lead another individual (who isn’t vaccinated) to getting the infection due to herd immunity not being to a great enough percentage.

Question 6

Define ‘vaccination’

Answer 6

involves active immunisation

Question 7

Define ‘active immunisation’

Answer 7

vaccine you get changes immune system so you react better next time

Question 8

Define ‘passive immunisation’

Answer 8

will protect you but you won’t have changed your immune system

Question 9

What are the features of an effective vaccine?

Answer 9

• Safety – must not cause illness or death
• Protection – must protect against pathogen exposure
• Longevity – should give long-lasting protection
• Neutralising antibodies – these must be induced to protect against pathogens such as polio,and many toxins and venoms
• Protective T cells – must be induced to protect against pathogens such as TB
• Practicality – must be cheap to produce and easy to administer

Question 10

What vaccinations are given at 8 weeks of age?

Answer 10

• 5 in 1 vaccine (diphtheria, tetanus, polio, pertussis – whooping cough, Hib)
• Pneumococcal
• Meningitis B
• Rotavirus (gastroenteritis)

Question 11

What vaccinations are given at 12 weeks of age?

Answer 11

• 2nd dose of 5 in 1 vaccine
• Meningitis C
• 2nd dose of Rotavirus

Question 12

What vaccinations are given at 16 weeks of age?

Answer 12

• 3rd dose of 5 in 1 vaccine
• 2nd dose of Meningitis B
• 2nd dose of pneumococcal

Question 13

What vaccinations are given at 1 year of age?

Answer 13

• Booster for Meningitis C (2nd) and Hib (3rd)
• 3rd dose of pneumococcal
• MMR vaccine
• 3rd dose of Meningitis B vaccine

Question 14

What vaccinations are given at 2-6 years of age?

Answer 14

• Influenza vaccine each September

Question 15

What vaccinations are given at ~3 years of age?

Answer 15

• 2nd dose of MMR

* Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and polio (4th doses)

Question 16

What vaccination is given to girls at 12-13 years of age?

Answer 16

• HPV jab (cervical cancer and genital warts)

Question 17

What vaccinations are given at 14 years of age?

Answer 17

• Tetanus, diphtheria and polio booster (5th doses)

* Meningitis A,C,W,Y vaccine

Question 18

What are some contraindications for immunisation?

Answer 18

If there is anaphylaxis to a previous dose (severe allergic reaction), there is immune suppression for any reason or if someone is acutely unwell