Vaccinations and Immunity

Alicia Hynson

March 8, 2011

Prof. Ciesla

MDTC 100

Many of us can recall a time when we were sick and needed medical attention. Others can remember when we had an episode of chicken pox or some other infectious, communicable disease. The developments made regarding immunization began as early as 430 B.C. Scientists such as Edward Jenner practiced on healthy patients using a technique called variolation. It involved injecting a healthy person with substances containing the disease causing viruses. The persons would then become immune to the disease.

While they obtained immunity, the real question was how it was acquired. Furthermore, animals with certain immunities could pass on their status to other animals. The discovery of the antibody led to deeper understanding of immunity. Antibodies are defined as substances that “neutralize toxins, precipitate them, rupturing bacteria and clump them together” (Hassan Aziz. Advance for Medical Laboratory Professionals pg 30).

There are various reasons for vaccinations. The primary cause is to prevent the widespread prevalence of disease. Another reason is to possibly eliminate the occurrence of deadly diseases such as polio, tuberculosis and smallpox. When it becomes common or even lawful for people to be vaccinated, there is an understanding that such procedures are for the benefit of all who receive them. Now that people have a better understanding of the role vaccination and immunity play in preventative healthcare, such practices have become customary, especially in America.

The three kinds of...