Microbiology and Immunology 2500A/B Lecture Notes - Lecture 10: Polio Vaccine, Cowpox, Mmr Vaccine Controversy
12 Dec 2017
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What is a vaccine: a modified form of the natural antigen (vaccine) is administered so that the host develops b and t memory cells that can act against. What is the purpose of a vaccine: to activate immunological defenses. Herd immunity: vaccines help not only the individual but the entire population. Stops the transmission cycle by preventing host-host spread within populations. Immunizing sufficient numbers of people (not all people) If immunity in a population falls below a critical percentage, disease outbreaks can occur. The fear of vaccines is as old as vaccines themselves. Louis pasteur: developed vaccines against rabies and chloera. Vaccines have lead to the eradication of small pox and to the almost eradication of polio. Vaccines are now integral to our health: humans of all ages as well as domesticated and wild animals receive vaccines, active immunization has reduced the number of childhood diseases.
