Immunisation plays an important part in protecting individuals and the community from serious diseases.
There are two main types of immunisation, active immunisation and passive immunisation.
Both types of immunisation prepare the body to fight against certain diseases, in case we come into contact with them in the future.
Active immunisation
Active immunisation is when a substance, known as a "vaccine", is introduced into the body (usually by injection) to encourage the body's immune system to produce antibodies against a particular disease.
Antibodies are proteins that are produced by the body to neutralise or destroy disease-carrying organisms and toxins. Active vaccines may be made from tiny amounts of the disease organism that have been killed, or weakened. They may also be created artificially from other genetic material (recombinant).
After receiving an active immunisation against a disease, your immune system should have the antibodies that are needed to fight it successfully .
Passive immunisation
Passive immunisation is when the body is given a vaccine containing ready-made antibodies against a disease. Passive immunisation only provides short-term protection from disease.
Vaccination is the name given to all forms of immunisation. A wide range of vaccines is available to protect against different infectious diseases.
Disease
A disease is an illness or condition that interferes with normal body functions.
Immune system
The immune system is the body's defence system, which helps protect it from disease, bacteria and viruses.
Genetic
Genetic is a term that refers to genes. Genes are the characteristics inherited from a family member.
Vaccination
Vaccination or immunisation is usually given by an injection. This makes the body's immune system produce antibodies that will fight off a virus.
