Artificial Control through Vaccinations
Our very clever Third Line of Defence involves many different types of lymphocytes that can fight all sorts of diseases. Our body can learn to fight a disease by developing specific antibodies to identify and destroy them. However there are some diseases that we have NO Antibodies and hence NO immunity against so vaccines have been developed to teach our bodies to fight them. Such diseases are:
- measles
- tetanus
- rubella
- chicken pox
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Watch the video on how we conquered smallpox. Outline symptoms of the disease and the role of vaccination in eliminating the disease. How do vaccinations work to prevent diseases?
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The two types of Vaccinations: a) Active Immunity is created through the injection of live but disabled version of the virus or bacteria. The disabled version can usually only reproduce around 20 times rather than over thousand times. These vaccines last a fairly long time but may need a booster shot. An example is the polio vaccine. b) Passive Immunity is created through the injection of a vaccine with antibodies produced previously by another organism such as a horse. This gives quick immunity and is good in emergency situations, such as when health workers move into areas hit by an epidemic or when someone is bitten by a snake. Passive immunity does not last as long as active immunity. An example is tetanus. |
A comprehensive review of Our Body's Immunity System
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The Australian Vaccination Schedule
Coronavirus
1) Watch the video "What is a Coronavirus?' and write notes about coronaviruses
2) What is the difference between an epidemic and a pandemic? Hence is the covid-19 outbreak an epidemic or a pandemic? 3) Read this interesting article from the SHM "How is the new covid-19 vaccine designed to work? and make notes to discuss in class. Actually probably better to have a class discussion as this is a little complex. 4) After this pandemic comes to a close, however long that may be, what should be the first step that we as a global community take so that we are better prepared for the next pandemic? 5) How does covid19 compare with other pandemics? Check out this infographic from Visual Capitalist. 6) List any further questions that you have on covid19. 7) How does the values and needs of society influence the focus of scientific research for medical issues? Write a 6 mark (min 20 lines) response which incorporates a thoughtful look at prevalence of a disease, the potential for early intervention or prevention as well as cost of the disease to the individual and community. Include examples of medical conditions that support your response. |
Another excellent resource on Covid-19
Australian Government
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Are there Adverse Effects associated with Vaccinations??
1) There has been some very vocal people concerned about the effect of vaccinations on children. Are these concerns justified? Read the following article "Vaccines - The Reality behind the Debate" and make your own judgement. Your response must be at 1/2 page in length. 2) A more comprehensive article can be found from the WHO called "Vaccinations greatly reduce disease" . Summarise 5 of the most important benefits of vaccines to our society. Do any of these benefits have links to either living longer or having an improved quality of life? Explain any links. |
Extension Task - Should Vaccinations be Mandatory??
In some places around the world vaccinations are mandatory. Following the Measles outbreak in Disneyland, USA, a number of other cases have appeared globally and some of these have been linked to fatalities. After reading the Measles Death in Germany, discuss with your group whether or not you think vaccinations should be mandatory. Discussions about vaccinations are particularly heated in our society following the deaths of a number of children from Measles outbreaks. |