Question

What is immunization? Name any four diseases which can be prevented by immunization.

Answer 1

Immunization is also called vaccination. In addition, as the name suggests, immunization is related to one’s immune system. There are two types of immunization active and passive immunization based on the formation of antibodies.

Step by step answer: The process by which an individual’s immune system becomes fortified against an antigen is called ad immunization. The process of immunization is also called vaccination. An antigen is also referred to as an immunogen. When the body is exposed to a foreign material it will recognize it as non – self and orchestrate an immune response. Because of the immunological memory, it will also develop the ability to quickly respond to the encounter. This type of counter-reaction is due to the adaptive immune system. The most important elements of the immune system are T cells, B cells, and antibodies. Swift response to the second encounter of foreign material is possible because of memory B cells and memory T cells. The most common technique of immunization is vaccination. Vaccines prepare the body’s immune system thus helping it to fight or prevent infection against microorganisms that cause diseases.
Some of the diseases which can be prevented by immunization are
1. Chickenpox
2. Tuberculosis (TB)
3. Polio
4. Diphtheria

Note: Immunization can be further classified as active immunization and passive immunization. The immunization which occurs naturally when a person encounters microbes is called active immunization. Pre – synthesized elements are transferred to a person so that the body does not need to produce elements itself. This type of immunization is called passive immunization. Vaccination is a less risky and easier way to become resistant to a particular disease.