Immunity, active
The production of antibodies against a specific agent by the immune system. Active immunity can be acquired in two ways, by contracting an infectious disease such as chickenpox or by receiving a vaccination such as against chickenpox. Active immunity is usually permanent. The individual is protected from the disease all their life.
Active immunity is in contrast to passive immunity which results from the transfer to an individual of antibodies produced by another individual. Passive immunity is limited and diminishes over time (usually a few weeks or months). For example, antibodies are passed from the mother to the baby before birth. These antibodies temporarily protect the baby for the first 4-6 months of life.
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- Immunization
Vaccination. Immunizations work by stimulating the immune system, the natural disease-fighting system of the body. The healthy immune system is able to recognize invading bacteria and viruses and produce substances (antibodies) to destroy or disable them. Immunizations prepare the immune system to ward off a disease. To immunize against viral diseases, the virus used in […]
- Immunization, anthrax
A series of six shots over six months and booster shots annually, the anthrax vaccine now in use in the USA was first developed in the 1950s and approved by the Food and Drug Administration for general use in 1970. It is produced by the Michigan Biologic Products Institute of Michigan’s Department of Health and […]
- Immunization, chickenpox
See Chickenpox immunization.
- Immunization, children's
Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough), as separate vaccinations or in combination as DPT Haemophilus influenzae type B (HIB) Hepatitis B Measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles), as separate vaccinations or in combination as MMR Pneumococcal infections Poliovirus Tetanus (lockjaw) Varicella zoster virus (chickenpox)
- Immunization, DT
DT (diphtheria and tetanus) vaccine does not protect from pertussis and is usually reserved for individuals who have had a significant adverse reaction to a DPT shot or who have a personal or family history of a seizure disorder or brain disease.