NHS Immunisation Information

Tue 9 February 2010

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To find a definition for a particular word, click on its first letter:

a

acellular

Without whole cells. An acellular vaccine contains only parts of cells which can produce immunity in the person receiving the vaccine.

active immunity

Active immunity is generated by the body when the immune system is triggered to produce antibodies, either by the immunisation or the disease.

adjuvant

A substance used in a vaccine to increase the body's immune response.

adverse effect

A side effect of a vaccine. The relationship between concern about side effects and a vaccination programme is examined in the lifecycle of a vaccination programme.

agar

A jelly-like substance in which some vaccine components are grown - 'tissue culture'.

alum

A sulphate of aluminium and potassium used in medicine to stop bleeding.

anaphylaxis

An immediate and severe allergic response.

antibodies

Proteins produced by the body to neutralise or destroy toxins and disease-carrying organisms.

antigen

A substance which, under appropriate conditions, triggers an immune response. Vaccines are specially prepared antigens.

attenuated

Weakened. Pathogens (organisms that produce disease, e.g. a virus) are attenuated to make them safe when used in a vaccine.

autism

A lifelong disability that affects the way a person communicates and relates to other people. It usually involves poor social interaction, poor social communication and limited imagination.