Immunisation

Immunization, or immunisation, is the process by which an individual is exposed to an agent that is designed to fortify his or her immune system against that agent. The material is known as an immunogen. Immunization is the same as inoculation and vaccination in that inoculation and vaccination use a viable infecting agent like immunization does. Immunization is just the general term for vaccination and such things as what you gain from these process. When the human immune system is exposed to a disease once, it can develop the ability to quickly respond to a subsequent infection. Therefore, by exposing an individual to an immunogen in a controlled way, their body will then be able to protect itself from infection later on in life.

Contents [hide]

1 History of immunization

2 Required immunizations upon entry to school

3 Passive and Active Immunization

4 Passive Immunization

5 Active Immunization

[edit] History of immunization

While the more primitive form of inoculation was practised long before the invention of immunization, the inventor of the more sophisticated process of immunization was a British doctor, Edward Jenner.

Jenner noticed the similarity between the lethal smallpox virus, which was currently devastating England, and the harmless cowpox virus. It is believed that this was discovery was influenced by the old-wives-tale of dairymaids being immune to Smallpox.

By injecting a human with the cowpox virus (which was harmless to humans), Jenner swiftly found that the immunized human was then also immune to smallpox. The process spread quickly, and the use of cowpox immunization has led to the almost total eradication of smallpox in modern human society.

[edit] Required immunizations upon entry to school

In the USA each state provides school districts with an obligation to regulate those eligible to enter public schooling. Since schools are congregate settings, and thus communication of diseases is a consideration, school districts may exclude children who seek to attend without the protection of certain immunizations.

For example, in the state of Ohio, USA, each student is required to provide proof of specific immunizations or have an authorized waiver from the requirement upon entry to school at age 6 years. If a student does not have the necessary immunizations or a waiver acceptable to the state, the school principal may refuse entry and require compliance with a set deadline. This procedure is for the safety of all students and follows Ohio State law.

Unless given a waiver, students must meet the following requirements:

DPT (Diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus)--Five doses if the fourth one was before the fourth birthday.

Measles--Two doses, the first one after 12 months of age, and the second at least 28 days after the first birthday.

Rubella--Same as measles.

Mumps--Same as measles.

Polio--Four doses if the third was before the fourth birthday.

Hepatitis B--For students starting kindergarten.

Additionally, for schools offering a pre-school program, add the requirements for two doses of haemophilus influenzae.

Vaccination/Vaccine (and Immunization, Inoculation.