PERTUSSIS VACCINE Meaning and
Definition
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Pertussis vaccine refers to a medical immunization designed to provide protection against pertussis, also known as whooping cough. Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. The vaccine contains inactivated or attenuated components of the bacterium or its toxins, intended to stimulate the body's immune system to produce an effective response against the bacteria.
Administered via injection, the pertussis vaccine triggers the production of specific antibodies that recognize and neutralize the bacterium's toxins. This immune response aids in the prevention of pertussis infection or significantly reduces the severity of the disease if contracted. Furthermore, vaccination contributes to herd immunity, which protects vulnerable populations unable to receive the vaccine, such as infants who are too young for vaccination.
The pertussis vaccine is typically administered in combination with other vaccines to safeguard against multiple infections concurrently, often including diphtheria and tetanus vaccines - forming the DTaP or Tdap vaccine. Vaccination usually occurs in multiple doses, starting in infancy and continuing into adulthood to ensure prolonged immunity.
While the pertussis vaccine is generally safe and highly effective, it may cause mild side effects such as injection site reactions, low-grade fever, or temporary fatigue. Serious adverse reactions are rare, making the vaccine an essential tool for preventing pertussis transmission and protecting individuals from potentially severe complications associated with the disease.
Common Misspellings for PERTUSSIS VACCINE
- oertussis vaccine
- lertussis vaccine
- -ertussis vaccine
- 0ertussis vaccine
- pwrtussis vaccine
- psrtussis vaccine
- pdrtussis vaccine
- prrtussis vaccine
- p4rtussis vaccine
- p3rtussis vaccine
- peetussis vaccine
- pedtussis vaccine
- peftussis vaccine
- pettussis vaccine
- pe5tussis vaccine
- pe4tussis vaccine
- perrussis vaccine
- perfussis vaccine
- pergussis vaccine
- peryussis vaccine
Etymology of PERTUSSIS VACCINE
The word "Pertussis" originates from the Latin term "pertussis" or "pertussi", which means "violent cough". The term was originally used to describe the symptoms associated with the highly contagious respiratory infection known as whooping cough.
The word "vaccine" has its roots in the Latin term "vaccinus", which means "from cows". The term was derived from the practice of using cowpox to protect against smallpox. This method was developed by Edward Jenner in the late 18th century and marked the beginnings of modern vaccination techniques.
Therefore, the term "Pertussis Vaccine" refers to a vaccine that provides immunization against the pertussis bacteria, also known as whooping cough.
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