Immunoglobulins and Vaccines

Abstract

Immunity refers to the process by which body defends itself from infection or any unwanted biological invasion. It can be actively acquired following exposure to an antigen or following immunization with vaccines. Passive immunity develops following administration of IgG antibodies or transfer of maternal antibodies. Active immunity is usually long lasting or life-long. Depending on the nature of the organism injected, they can be live attenuated vaccine, killed vaccine, sub-unit vaccine or toxoid. Pregnancy is associated with change in immune function and thus may contribute to susceptibility to infection. Ideally, women should be vaccinated against preventable diseases before pregnancy. In general, inactivated virus vaccines, toxoids and immunoglobulins are considered safe for administration in pregnancy. List of vaccines recommended and contraindicated in pregnancy along with evidence on risk and benefit is discussed in the chapter. Similarly, travellers are frequently exposed to various pathogens and hence are at increased risk of developing illness. Need for vaccination depends on immune status, age, presence of chronic illness, duration of stay and country of visit. Focus has now shifted towards the use of vaccines for chronic non-communicable disease such as cancer, atherosclerosis. Cancer vaccines may be preventive or therapeutic vaccines. While preventive vaccines have shown to be effective, therapeutic vaccines are largely under study. Vaccines for atherosclerosis are currently under study and target either lipid related or non-lipid related antigens.