Question

2\. The nurse explains to the mother of a child who has received a tetanus toxoid injection that this vaccina- tion confers which type of immunity? a. Lifelong active natural immunity b. Lifelong passive immunity c. Long lasting active immunity d. Temporary passive natural immunity

Short answer

c. Long lasting active immunity

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Immunity Types

Immunity can be classified into active and passive. Active immunity requires the body's immune response to an exposure, such as through a vaccine or natural infection. Passive immunity involves receiving antibodies from another source, like from a mother to a baby.

Categorizing Immunity Duration

Next, categorize whether immunity is lifelong, long-lasting, or temporary. Lifelong immunity persists for a person's lifetime, long-lasting can endure for many years, and temporary immunity lasts for a short period.

Identifying Immunity Provided by Tetanus Toxoid Injections

Tetanus toxoid injections stimulate the body's own immune response to produce antibodies against the tetanus toxin, leading to active immunity. This immunity is considered long-lasting but not necessarily lifelong, as booster shots may be required.

Choosing the Correct Answer

Given that tetanus toxoid injections confer active and long-lasting immunity, the best answer choice is c. Long lasting active immunity

Key concepts

active immunity

Active immunity is developed when our immune system is directly exposed to an antigen. This antigen could come from a vaccine or a natural infection.
Our body responds by producing its own antibodies against the antigen. Think of it as your body learning how to fight a specific intruder. Once this happens, the immune system 'remembers' the intruder and can respond more efficiently if exposed again.

• Vaccines like the tetanus shot aim to trigger this type of immunity.
• Active immunity usually takes some time to develop.
• Once developed, it tends to be long-lasting and can sometimes be lifelong.

Active immunity is very beneficial because it provides a way for our bodies to protect against future infections without getting the disease first.

passive immunity

Passive immunity occurs when a person receives antibodies from an external source rather than producing them through their own immune system.
This form of immunity can be transferred naturally or artificially.

• Natural passive immunity: An example of this is the transfer of antibodies from mother to baby through breast milk or the placenta earlier in pregnancy.
• Artificial passive immunity: This can occur through infusions of antibodies, such as receiving a treatment for rabies after being bitten by a potentially rabid animal.

Although effective immediately, passive immunity is usually temporary because the body doesn’t retain memory of the intrusion, meaning it doesn't 'learn' how to fight future infections on its own.

tetanus vaccine

The tetanus vaccine is designed to protect against the bacteria that cause tetanus.
Tetanus bacteria produce a toxin that can affect the nervous system, leading to severe muscle stiffness and spasms.
This vaccine introduces a 'toxoid', a weakened form of the toxin, into the body, prompting the immune system to respond and build immunity.

• Tetanus shots typically include a series of injections followed by booster shots.
• It is advised to get a tetanus booster every 10 years to maintain strong immunity.

Getting vaccinated can prevent the debilitating effects of tetanus and contribute to community-wide immunity.

long-lasting immunity

Long-lasting immunity refers to a prolonged protection period from a specific disease, which can persist for years and sometimes even decades.
While not always lifelong, it can significantly reduce the likelihood of reinfection.
This type of immunity can be achieved through repetitive exposure to the antigen or booster shots, as seen with the tetanus vaccine.

• Long-lasting immunity is crucial in public health to control and potentially eradicate diseases.
• It reduces the necessity for repeated vaccinations close together, making it easier for large populations to stay protected.
• Maintaining long-lasting immunity often involves periodic booster shots, tailored to ensure ongoing protection.

Long-lasting immunity thus provides a durable line of defense against various infectious diseases.