Immunization is what?

The ingress of pathogenic microorganisms into the human body causes a natural protective reaction. Special antibodies are produced which attack microbes. After overcoming the disease, these substances remain in the body. Thus, immunization takes place. This is a process in which a person acquires resistance to certain diseases.

The process of immunization

To date, immunization is considered one of the most effective methods to combat all sorts of dangerous diseases: tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis, whooping cough and many others. The essence of the method consists in introducing a special vaccine to a person, which also activates the protective reactions of the body. This process was first carried out at the end of the 18th century. According to experts, vaccination helps prevent many deaths from infectious diseases. In order to ensure that immunity is produced correctly, and the negative consequences are minimal, many factors are taken into account. Among them are age, health status, and vulnerability to certain diseases of some categories of the population. It is worth noting that immunization is a great way to prevent diseases as well as their extensive spread (for example, tuberculosis).

Active immunization

Can be both natural and artificial. Natural immunization occurs after the illness. The second is carried out by the introduction of vaccines. Vaccines can be alive, with dead microorganisms, chemical, created with the help of genetic engineering, multicomponent, with fragments of microbe DNA. Thus, active immunization contributes to a long-term effect, protecting the body from acute infections. The introduction of the vaccine can occur in various ways: intravenously, into the muscle, under the skin or intradermally (most effectively). With active immunization, the correct dose calculation is necessary. If the rate is exceeded, a relapse of the disease is possible. With its reduction, vaccination will be ineffective.

Live virus, multiplying in the body, stimulates cellular, secretory, humoral immunity. However, this method of immunization has its drawbacks. First of all, the progression of the disease is possible. Also, such vaccines are single-component, since combining them with other microorganisms can give an unforeseen reaction. Active immunization is a method that is not suitable for people with immunodeficiency, patients with leukemia, lymphoma, those who undergo radiotherapy. It is forbidden to administer such vaccines to pregnant women.

The use of anatoxins

Often when using immunization, anatoxins are used. These are substances that are obtained by exposing the toxin to formalin. Thus, it is neutralized, but retains immunomodulatory properties. Such toxins are used for grafting against tetanus, diphtheria. This vaccination is carried out in two stages, a break between which should be approximately 1.5 months. Then a year later, they are revaccinated.

Passive immunization

Temporary immunity is created through passive immunization. In this case, antibodies to certain antigens are introduced. Typically, this method is used, provided that active immunization has not been performed, to treat spider bites, snakes. Thus, passive immunization is a method that gives only a short-term effect (albeit an instantaneous one) and is usually applied after contact with the pathogen. Use with such drugs as human immunoglobulin (normal and specific), special sera. Indications for the use of immunoglobulins are the prevention of hepatitis, measles, immunodeficiency, prolonged inflammatory processes and infections. The immunoglobulin is obtained from the adult blood plasma . She is pre-tested for infection. Introduce such drugs intramuscularly. The maximum number of antibodies is observed already on the second day. After about 4 weeks they disintegrate. Sometimes with the injection of painful feelings. Therefore, experts recommend injecting drugs deep enough.

Associated preparations for vaccination

In some cases, associated immunization is practiced. It is the use of drugs that consist of different antigens. The main advantage of this method is the reduction in the number of injections needed to administer each antigen. In addition, such vaccination contributes to the development of immunity in a relatively short time and allows combining antigens in different versions (depending on the prevailing epidemiological situation). A bright representative is a drug for whooping cough, tetanus and diphtheria (DTP).

Vaccination

In order to quickly disconnect the transmission chain of a specific disease, a tour immunization is performed. This is a set of measures aimed at vaccinating all children (regardless of whether they were vaccinated earlier). Typically, the length of the immunization schedule varies from one week to one month. The main goal of such actions is to vaccinate all population groups from a particular disease. Often, such activities are carried out in developing countries (the spread of infection there is extensive, and documentation of vaccination, as a rule, is absent).

Adverse events during immunization

Although immunization of the population is a fairly safe and necessary process, the emergence of adverse reactions is still possible. Most often you can observe a slight increase in temperature, pain at the injection site. Children become capricious, appetite decreases. Allergic reactions are also possible . Quincke's edema is rarely seen. If a live vaccine is used, then a mild form of the disease (measles, rubella) is sometimes diagnosed. To avoid such complications, it is necessary to carry out the vaccination correctly. First of all, the child must be absolutely healthy. Before every vaccination, a doctor should be examined, which measures the temperature of the body, examines the oral cavity, throat, and listens to the lungs. Only after all this is given the direction for vaccination.

How to help the child to endure the vaccination?

Injections cause pain in children (short-term). Therefore , it is advisable to calm the child before vaccination . If the temperature rises after grafting (especially above 39 ° C), medications should be given to reduce it. As a rule, during this period the child is capricious, does not eat well. Do not spend active games with him, make him eat. It is better to choose some quiet activities. It is necessary to create comfortable climatic conditions in the room: the air should not be dry, and the temperature - too high. It is worth to regret the child, pay him attention to the maximum, because he now particularly needs it. If after vaccination against measles, rubella, etc. There was a rash, then this should not be alarming. Usually it passes by itself after a few days. However, any long-term changes in behavior, seizures, breathing problems, lethargy for a long time - a serious reason to turn to a specialist.

Immunization Week - what is it?

The World Health Organization has been conducting the European Immunization Week for 10 years now. This is a set of activities aimed at disseminating information on the importance of vaccination of the population. During this campaign, everyone can learn about what vaccines are able to protect a person, what are the latest developments in this area. The Immunization Week helps parents make a choice in favor of vaccination. In an accessible form, information is offered on all diseases that can adversely affect the health of the child. The main message of the campaign is: immunization is an opportunity to eradicate serious diseases (smallpox, diphtheria), to get rid of them forever.