Table of Contents
Vaccination and Immunization Explained
Immunization, also known as vaccination, is the process by which an individual is exposed to a vaccine, which is a preparation of dead or weakened microorganisms or parts of them, in order to produce immunity to a particular disease. Immunization is one of the most effective public health interventions and has saved more lives than any other medical advance in history. Immunization also helps to protect vulnerable people who cannot be vaccinated, such as newborn babies and people with weakened immune systems.
There are two main types of immunization: active and passive. Active immunization is when an individual is given a vaccine that contains live, but weakened, microorganisms. The microorganisms in the vaccine cause the individual’s immune system to produce immunity against the disease. Passive immunization is when an individual is given antibodies that have been taken from someone who has immunity to a particular disease. The antibodies in the serum will protect the individual against the disease.
Immunization is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of disease. Immunization programs have helped to eradicate smallpox and control other diseases such as polio, measles, and tetanus. Immunization programs are also important for people who are travelling to areas where there is a risk of contracting a disease.
There are some risks associated with immunization, but these risks are outweighed by the benefits of immunization. The most common risks associated with immunization are minor and include fever, headache, and muscle aches. Serious risks are rare, but can include serious allergic reactions to the vaccine, and in very rare cases, death.
Immunization is a safe and effective way to protect yourself and your family from disease. It is important to ensure that your immunizations are up to date, and that you and your family are vaccinated against the most common diseases.
Immunization vs Vaccination
There is a lot of controversy surrounding the words “immunization” and “vaccination.” The two terms are often used interchangeably, but they are not actually the same thing. Immunization is the process of protecting someone from disease by giving them a vaccine. Vaccination is the actual act of giving someone a vaccine.
The difference between immunization and vaccination is important because it can help clear up some of the confusion about these terms. Immunization is a process, while vaccination is an act. Immunization happens when someone is exposed to a weakened or dead form of a virus. This allows their body to produce immunity to that virus. Vaccination is when someone is given a vaccine, which is a weakened or dead form of a virus. Vaccination allows someone to produce immunity to a disease without actually getting sick.
The confusion between immunization and vaccination often arises because the terms are used interchangeably. However, it is important to understand the difference between these two terms in order to understand the controversy around them.
The Following Table Further Highlights the Difference Between Vaccination and Immunisation
Immunisation is the process by which a person is exposed to a foreign agent such as a virus or bacteria in order to build up immunity to that agent. Vaccination, on the other hand, is the injection of a killed or weakened form of a virus or bacteria into a person in order to produce immunity. Immunisation can also occur through natural exposure to a virus or bacteria.
The table highlights the difference between immunisation and vaccination. Immunisation can occur through natural exposure to a virus or bacteria, while vaccination is the injection of a killed or weakened form of a virus or bacteria into a person in order to produce immunity.
Vaccination and Immunisation – An Explanation
Immunisation is the process by which a person is made immune to a particular disease. Vaccination is the process of administering an immunisation. Immunisations are given to babies and children in Australia as part of the National Immunisation Program. Immunisations are also available for adults.
There are many different immunisations available. Some immunisations are given as a single injection (e.g. diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis), while others are given as a series of injections over a period of time (e.g. HPV vaccine).
The benefits of immunisation are many. Immunisations can help protect individuals from diseases, including:
• Diphtheria
• Tetanus
• Whooping cough
• Poliomyelitis
• Measles
• Mumps
• Rubella
• Chickenpox
• HPV
• Shingles
Immunisations can also help protect individuals from serious complications from diseases, including:
• Diphtheria – can cause heart and nerve damage
• Tetanus – can cause muscle spasms and breathing problems
• Whooping cough – can cause pneumonia, convulsions and death
• Poliomyelitis – can cause paralysis
• Measles – can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and death
• Mumps – can cause meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord) and deaf
