Immunisation Flashcards

1️⃣ Familiarise yourself with the flashcards:

  • Look through all the flashcards to see what's on both sides.
  • Make sure you understand the information on each card. If something's unclear, click the link to the revision notes at the bottom of the page for more details.

2️⃣ Test yourself:

  • Look at the question or prompt on each card and try to remember the answer before flipping it over.
  • Check the answer and make a note of any cards you find challenging and need to go over more.

3️⃣ Consistently Review and Practice:

  • Use spaced repetition: spend more time on the cards you struggle with and go over them more often.
  • Regularly review all the flashcards to help you better understand and retain the information over time.

Note: We may include questions that have multiple correct answers. It's useful to remember specific examples to understand these concepts better.

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What is immunisation?

Giving a vaccine to protect against a disease. It trains your immune system.

What is an antigen?

A molecule on a pathogen that the immune system sees as foreign.

What is a vaccine?

A substance that safely exposes your immune system to antigens. It helps build protection.

What can a vaccine contain?

Weakened or killed pathogens, or purified parts like proteins or inactivated toxins.

What are the main steps in how a vaccine works?

1) Antigens enter the body. 2) White blood cells make antibodies and memory cells. 3) Next time, they act fast to stop the pathogen.

What are memory lymphocytes?

White blood cells that stay after vaccination. They respond quickly if the same pathogen returns.

What is the difference between a primary and a secondary immune response?

Primary is the first response and is slow; you may get symptoms. Secondary is faster and stronger, so you often do not feel ill.

Why are booster doses sometimes needed?

Antibody levels can fall over time. A booster raises them and refreshes the response.

Why are different vaccines needed for different diseases?

Each pathogen has unique antigens. Antibodies must match those antigens to work.

How are vaccines usually given?

Mostly by injection into the arm. Some are given by mouth as drops or tablets.

How is passive immunity different from vaccination?

Passive immunity gives ready‑made antibodies and works fast, but fades. Vaccination makes your own antibodies and memory cells, so it lasts longer.

Why is immunisation done before you meet the pathogen?

It builds memory cells in advance. You can then fight the pathogen quickly and avoid illness.