What+are+Vaccines

= Vaccines: What they are and how they work =

Basic Info: - When the body comes in contact with the actual virus, it multiplies very quickly which results in the person becoming sick. - Vaccines have just enough antigens for the body to recognize the virus and and start the immune response. - Tricks body into thinking it has the actual virus, the body will then produce antibodies that fight off the disease. - The body will go through the Immune Response. - Immune Response
 * The body's immune system identifies the antigens (viruses or bacteria).
 * Immune system develops proteins in the blood that are called antibodies.
 * The body stocks these antibodies in case the body encounters the disease later on.
 * So if the body ever comes in contact with the virus again, the anti-bodies will be there to fight it off.

Two Types of Vaccines: - Live-Atenuated Vaccines This is a live virus vaccine, they are usually given through an injection.
 * Alive but weakened form of the specific virus.
 * Only multiplies about 20 times in the body, this is not enough to cause illness.
 * This small amount of the virus is enough for the body to recognize and produce antibodies to fight it off.
 * Examples of Live Vaccines: Measles, Mumps and Rubella combination, and Influenza.

- Inactivated Vaccines This is an inactive vaccine, they are usually given orally or through another form of application.
 * The virus is killed using formaldehyde.
 * Dead pieces of the disease microorganism are put into the specific vaccine.
 * The strength of the vaccine is limited because the antibodies are dead.
 * Multiple vaccinations may be needed to become permanently immune to the specific virus.
 * There is no chance of any disease related symptoms or reactions.
 * Examples of Inactivated Vaccines: Hepatitis A & B, Polio-virus, etc.

Testing Process: - 1. Once the vaccine is produced, it is tested on a group of one hundred adults that have a low risk of having any complications. If this stage is not successful they may abandon the vaccine or change some components and repeat this step. - 2. If the first step is a success, then the vaccine is tested on another group of about one hundred. This group is the more intended group for the certain vaccine, such as children for chickenpox. This is tested many times in order to make sure the vaccine is consistent and has no complications with the patients. - 3. The next step is testing the vaccine on many different people from all different areas. This could take a very long time. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) studies all this data and everything about the vaccine. They must see that the vaccine is safe for all different people from different locations and lifestyles. After they are satisfied with the vaccine, the FDA will deem it safe. After the FDA approves the vaccine, it is passed on to the board of vaccine experts of the CDC (Center for Disease Control). The board discusses the dosage, who should get it, and when the people should get it. - 4. After the vaccine has been distributed, the CDC closely monitors the patients to make sure no unseen side effects occur. This is a U.S. Navy recruit receiving a vaccine, this would be part of step 3 of the testing process where the CDC decides who will get the vaccine.

Who Gets Vaccinated: - Babies and young children are always the first people to receive vaccines because of they are more vulnerable to illness. - It is still important that adults stay up to date on the vaccines but they are not the first priority. - Most insurance companies cover the cost for vaccinations, but walk in fees are usually minimal. - Children under 18 are eligible for vaccination if: - Vaccines required by schools are varied by state. - International Health Regulations requires anyone traveling to certain countries to receive a certain vaccine. For example, the yellow fever vaccine is required if traveling to South America or sub-Saharan Africa. The CDC controls these requirements. This is a child receiving a polio vaccination.
 * Medicaid Eligible
 * Uninsured
 * Under-insured
 * American Indian or Alaska Native (Indian Health Service Act)

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