sayloldt: Learning About The Different Types Of Vaccines

With more and more Australians becoming aware of the importance of
receiving the influenza vaccine in order to avoid contracting the flu, it
is interesting to note that many people don't really know or understand
what vaccines are, how the work - or what different types are available.
Although the science behind vaccines can be quite confusing, it is
possible to gain a basic understanding of flu vaccinations and other
products in order to more clearly realize how they work and why they are
so incredibly important.

How Vaccines Work -

In simple terms, vaccines are a weakened disease that is introduced into
your body's immune system. While the organisms found in any given vaccine
are not strong enough to actually make you ill, they still contain the
antigens that stimulate your immune system to respond. These antigens
produce an important phenomenon known as a primary response; this
basically refers to the process by which your body's B lymphocytes detect
the antigens and form special cells. These cells evolve into plasma cells
which immediately produce antibodies that fight off the organisms you are
being vaccinated against.

Over time, antibodies fade from your body's system; however, memory B
cells stick around for many additional years - and this is where your
immunity comes from. Vaccines work in very specific and proven ways to use
your body's natural defence mechanisms to protect you from specific
diseases and illnesses. The popular flu vaccines are no exception to this,
and they help protect you against the most common - and troublesome - flu
strains. However, the flu does mutate over time, making yearly
vaccinations necessary and highly recommended.

The Different Types Of Vaccines -

Today, there are four major categories of vaccines. Some of them may be
injected, but others may be administered in oral form. The four main types
of vaccines include:

Inactivated vaccine - this type contains a killed form of the organism
that you are being protected against. The typhoid vaccine is one example
of an inactivated - or killed - vaccine.

Live attenuated vaccine - this type of vaccine contains a live - but
weakened - form of the organism or germ that you are ultimately being
protected against. Examples of live attenuated vaccines include rubella
and mumps.

Subunit vaccine - this one contains only the antigen - or the part of an
organism that stimulates your immune system. The hepatitis B vaccine is
one example.

sayloldt

วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 6 สิงหาคม พ.ศ. 2552

Learning About The Different Types Of Vaccines

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