immunisation and vaccines
Start with the big picture
Active immunisation introduces antigenic material to stimulate adaptive immunity and immune memory, while passive immunisation provides preformed antibodies for immediate but temporary protection. Vaccine platforms include live-attenuated, inactivated, subunit, toxoid, mRNA, and viral-vector products, with distinct safety considerations. The lesson also introduces herd immunity, vaccine storage and handling, administration routes, contraindications, and adverse events following immunisation. Live vaccines require particular attention in pregnancy and severe immunocompromise, while inactivated or subunit vaccines may produce a lower immune response in immunocompromised people. Safe practice includes checking vaccine details, documenting administration, observing patients afterward, and reporting adverse events.
What you'll learn
- Distinguish active from passive immunisation by mechanism, duration, and purpose.
- Identify major vaccine types and key safety considerations for live vaccines.
- Explain how herd immunity can indirectly protect people who are not immune.
- Recognise core storage, administration, documentation, and post-vaccination safety practices.
- Describe how patient circumstances can affect vaccine choice and response.
Continue your study
Work through the complete notes and reinforce the topic with the study tools available in the full lesson.
