Immunisation is a process used to help protect an individual from infection by stimulating the immune system to recognize and fight a specific pathogen. Immunisation involves the administration of a vaccine containing antigens that mimic the disease-causing microorganism. When the body is exposed to these antigens, it triggers an immune response, which results in the production of antibodies that can fight off the infection.
Types of Immunisation
There are two main types of immunisation: active and passive. Active immunisation involves the use of a vaccine to stimulate the immune system to produce protective antibodies. Examples of vaccines used for active immunisation include the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, the diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTaP) vaccine, and the hepatitis B vaccine.
Passive immunisation involves the administration of pre-made antibodies to protect against a specific infection. Passive immunisation is used in cases where an individual is at risk of a severe infection and does not have time to develop an active response to the disease. Examples of passive immunisation include the administration of tetanus immunoglobulin for a severe case of tetanus or the administration of rabies immunoglobulin for a suspected rabies infection.
Benefits of Immunisation
Immunisation is an effective way to help protect individuals from serious infectious diseases. It can also help to reduce the spread of diseases in a population by providing “herd immunity”, where enough individuals are immunised to limit the spread of the disease. Immunisation is also cost-effective, as it can help to reduce the costs associated with treating infectious diseases.
Risks of Immunisation
Although immunisation is generally safe, there can be some risks associated with the procedure. In rare cases, individuals may experience an allergic reaction to the vaccine or develop a mild infection as a result of the immunisation. In addition, some individuals may be at increased risk of developing a serious reaction to the vaccine, such as a severe allergic reaction or a neurological disorder.
Conclusion
Immunisation is an important part of disease prevention and control, and can help to protect individuals against serious infectious diseases. However, it is important to understand the risks associated with immunisation before deciding to proceed with the procedure. Individuals should speak with their doctor if they have any concerns about the safety or effectiveness of immunisation.