Vaccines contain weakened or killed pathogens that stimulate the body's immune response by producing antibodies and memory cells specific to the disease. This provides immunity, protecting individuals from illness if exposed to the pathogen again. Vaccinating a significant portion of the population also provides indirect protection to those who cannot develop immunity through herd immunity. The first vaccine was developed by Edward Jenner who observed cowpox provided protection from smallpox, hypothesized this could be tested by inoculating people with cowpox, tested his hypothesis, and concluded vaccination provided acquired immunity.

1. Vaccines & Human Health

2. Vaccines
● A vaccine is a weakened (attenuated) or killed
form of a pathogen
● Most vaccines are injected to avoid destruction
by digestive enzymes

3. Vaccines
● Stimulate the body's immune response to
create antibodies and memory cells specific to
the disease.
● Immune system is prepared for immediate and
specific attack if faced with the pathogen again.

4. Immunity
● Immunity: Possessing the antibody response to a
particular pathogen to prevent the development of
illness.
● Passive Immunity: Antibodies are passed from one
individual to another. Ex. Mother to child
● Acquired Immunity: Immune system form
antibodies as result of exposure to pathogen
– Natural Immunity – Result of infection
– Artificial Immunity – Result of vaccination

5. ● Herd Immunity: Occurs when the vaccination
of a significant portion of a population (or herd)
provides a measure of protection for individuals
who have not developed immunity.
● Why is this important?

6. The First Vaccine
Edward Jenner: The Biography of a Great Thinker
– https://youtu.be/i_ghK1FXkOw
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7. The First Vaccine
● Edward Jenner
– Observed:
– Hypothesized:
– Tested:
– Concluded: