subject: Discussing Immunizations: [print this page] Immunizations refer to the process by which an individual's immune system becomes fortified against a known agent or immunogen.
More Info On Immunizations:
When attempting to define the process of immunizations it is important to remember that in addition to being able to actively fortify against present threats, the immune system is capable of developing the ability to quickly respond to any subsequent encounters with the same immunogen. This is referred to as immunological memory.
Due to the immunological memory, immunogens introduced in a controlled manner (for instance by injection as in the case of vaccinations) will automatically be recognized by the immune system in all future encounters. This is the process that created the foundation for modern society's vaccination process; the process by which modern society has been able to remove (or drastically decrease) the threat of a number of serious (and fatal) conditions and diseases.
A number of different techniques can be used to create immunizations. Vaccination is the most commonly accessed form. They can target specific microorganisms that have the potential to cause disease. The use of vaccinations prepare a body's immune system to fight against and hopefully prevent future infections caused by the same immunogen.
The word vaccination refers to the introduction of antigenic material (through injection; the vaccine). This produces an immunity to the disease or infection being targeted. The effects of pathogen induced infection can be decreased or even eradicated in a number of cases in response to appropriate vaccination. Vaccines with strong evidence of positive results include: influenza vaccine, HPV vaccine, chicken pox vaccine, etc. The vaccination in general is the accepted method of stopping the spread of infectious disease. It is currently the most effective and cost-effective method for preventing disease. Vaccines may contain weakened forms of pathogens, killed/inactivated forms of pathogens, proteins, or other purified materials.
Recovery from Immunizations:
In most instances immunizations require no recovery time. Individuals receiving immunizations by injection (vaccinations) experience minimal pain as long as they are administered by an experienced professional. In some cases there can be a topical reaction in the specific area where the shot is administered. And some individuals will respond to vaccinations with a slight fever.
