Which vaccinations in Calgary are administered to infants, and why

Vaccinations work to protect us from disease and viral infections that can impede our health, sometimes to a dangerous degree. As a general rule, it is always imperative to receive vaccines when you’re young to become immune. This is especially true when vaccinating infants and children, where vaccination will be crucial to a child’s development. Babies at any age are susceptible to contracting such illnesses, which can be highly detrimental to their health if they are unvaccinated. Babies should be vaccinated between 12 and 18 months of age to prevent sickness and build immunity early in life. While these vaccinations are imperative to get, many parents may question what vaccinations in Calgary their infants will need and why.

Find out the vaccinations that infants need most, how they help in the early stages of life, and why they are imperative for each infant to receive.

Hep B

Hep B is a vaccine that an infant will first receive within the first 24 hours of birth. Three doses of Hep B are required, the second vaccine will be administered at one or two months of age, and the third vaccine will be given to an infant between six and 18 months of age. This vaccination is needed to fight off serious infections that can result in more severe and chronic conditions later on in life.

DTaP

This particular vaccine is typically given to an infant at two months, where it is vital in protecting a baby from diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis. These conditions can cause serious throat infections, the production of deadly bacteria and toxins, and violent coughing fits. This vaccine requires five doses that are doled out over a five-year period.

Hib

The Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccine also referred to as Hib, is four doses doled out over the first year of an infant’s life. This vaccine will prevent illnesses and conditions that range in severity, including pneumonia, meningitis, and ear infections.

IPV

The IPV vaccine, also known as the polio vaccine, is a four-part vaccine that is doled out over a four-year span. The first vaccine is administered at two months of age and will prevent a disease that can cause paralysis and permanent disability.

PCV13

The pneumococcal vaccine requires four doses over a 15-month span, with the first vaccine being administered at two months of age. This vaccine will prevent bacteria from entering the lungs and causing severe conditions that eventually result in sepsis. Since infants have started to receive this vaccine, cases of infant meningitis and ear infections have reduced.

RV

The rotavirus vaccine will prevent diarrhea and vomiting in children and other conditions associated with and can cause abdominal pain. This vaccine should be given to an infant starting at two months, and two other doses should be administered until six months of age.

MMR

The MMR vaccine is given to an infant between the ages of 12 to 15 months of age, and a second dose is further administered between four and six years of age. This vaccine is imperative in protecting against measles, mumps, and rubella. Once the two doses are received, immunity against these illnesses remains for life.

Chickenpox

The varicella vaccine protects against chickenpox and requires two doses, one for infants between the ages of 12 and 15 months and a second for children between four and six years old.

Springborough Pharmasave is your health professionals committed to serving the Springborough community. Our pharmacy in SW Calgary will provide you with all the important services you need for your health, including healthcare advice and medical products. All our programs and services will be tailored to the needs of our consumers. We offer vaccinations, flu shots, breast pump rentals, and can act as your travel clinic in Calgary. Giving back to the community is a core value at Pharmasave, and we are proud of our work to help the Springborough community. Visit us at 104-30 Springborough Blvd, Southwest Calgary or call us on (403) 453-6113.

As schools start to welcome students back for face-to-face classes after a long hiatus, there has been much talk about whether kids need the COVID vaccine. Besides, kids are known to have a stronger immune system than adults. However, it doesn’t mean they’re completely invincible since kids still get other vaccinations in Calgary. Here are a few reasons why kids need the COVID vaccine.

Why Kids Need COVID Vaccinations in Calgary for School

Social Distancing Can’t be Followed

When COVID first popped up, health professionals advised everyone to keep a safe distance from others since we don’t know who had it. When you are at school, you can’t follow social distancing. It is such a small place, and your kids will eventually converse with the other kids there. It won’t be long before they play with each other as it has been a long time since their last opportunity.

Symptoms are Less Severe

People who get vaccinations are less likely to get symptoms such as loss of taste and high fever. After a series of vaccinations, you will likely only experience a cough and cold. Then the virus will be gone after a few days. Gone are the days when you need to quarantine after travelling to another city or country. There is still the need to take medications for minor illnesses, but it won’t be that much.

No Need to Worry About Other Vaccines

When you think about having your kids receive other vaccinations, that won’t be a problem when your kids just got the COVID vaccine. It is completely safe for your kids to receive additional vaccinations after receiving the COVID vaccine. However, you should still see a doctor, especially when you experience a few side effects. After all, the doctor would need to examine your family history before deciding.

The Possibility of Getting COVID Again

Unlike other diseases, kids who got the virus before are not safe from getting it again. It is possible that they can get it, and the symptoms are much worse if you don’t get the vaccine. On the other hand, vaccinations will lessen the effect, so you don’t have to feel worried about your kids when they get sick.

Reduce Risk of Hospitalisation

When your kids get confined to the hospital because of COVID, it can not only compromise their long-term health but also have them running behind in their schoolwork. The longer they get confined, the further behind they are and, at worst, could put them more at risk if they’re already immuno-compromised. If you got the vaccinations, that would prevent such scenarios from occurring.

If your kids have yet to get the vaccine, you best get them from a reliable source. Plenty of scams out there make it hard to keep track of the legitimate ones. When you get it from a clinic that offers a variety of health services, then you should feel confident the vaccinations will help your kids in the long run.

Springborough Pharmasave is your health professionals committed to serving the Springborough community. Our pharmacy in SW Calgary provides you with all you need for your health, including healthcare advice and medical products. We offer vaccinations, flu shots, breast pump rentals, and can act as your travel clinic in Calgary. Giving back to the community is a core value at Pharmasave. Further, we are proud of our work to help the Springborough community. Visit us at 104-30 Springborough Blvd, Southwest Calgary, or call us at (403) 453-6113.

A tick bite can be one of the most painful things you’ll ever experience. If a tick bites you, you must know how to treat it and prevent further infection. Identify the symptoms of a tick bite, so you know what to do and seek help from a compounding pharmacy in Calgary.

Symptoms That Warrant a Visit to a Compounding Pharmacy in Calgary

Redness

The most common symptom of a tick bite is redness, which can signify an allergic reaction. Other symptoms include itching, swelling, and pain at the bite site. If you experience any of these symptoms after a tick bite, seek medical attention immediately.

Swelling

The next most common symptom is swelling around the site of the bite. It can range from mild to severe and may be accompanied by itching or tenderness. If your skin feels swollen following a tick bite, you must see a doctor as soon as possible to receive appropriate treatment for any accompanying symptoms.

Pain

Tick bites are often accompanied by pain and other symptoms, such as redness or swelling around the bite area. Don’t ignore pain if it occurs after a tick bite. However, it’s important not to self-diagnose since this could lead to unnecessary antibiotics being prescribed by your doctor (which could potentially cause more harm than good).

Fever & Chills

A fever is more common after being bitten by a hard-bodied tick (Ixodes species). This type of tick bites deep into the skin. It may cause severe swelling in areas away from where it was attached to your skin (such as your eyelid). An infection causes the fever – often Lyme disease – caused by bacteria found in these ticks’ saliva when they feed on you while attached to your body.

Itching

The first symptom of a tick bite is usually an itching sensation that spreads from the site of the bite, over the body, and into areas where you cannot see it. The itching may be so intense that it feels like a slight burning sensation on your skin.

Rash

A rash is the most common symptom of a tick bite, which can appear two to three days after the bite. The rash will look like a net of red dots and is often described as itchy and itchy-burning. Sometimes, people experience the inflammation later in the day and at other times, but it’s most common on the site where you’ve been bitten.

Bruising Around the Bite

It is one of the most common symptoms of a tick bite. As soon as you feel the tick attached to your skin, it will inject a small amount of saliva into your skin. The saliva contains an anticoagulant that causes a clot to form around the tick, preventing blood from entering or leaving your body.

Visit a compounding pharmacy or see your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms after being bitten by a tick. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, contact your doctor or visit your local hospital emergency room as soon as possible.

Ticks are nasty creatures that love to latch onto you and drink your blood. Passing on all sorts of diseases and illnesses along the way, such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Q fever, Colorado tick fever, tularemia, and more. Luckily there are several ways you can protect yourself against ticks and reduce your chances of contracting an illness from them. One way is by going to a compounding pharmacy in Calgary for help. However, prevention is key, so here are some tips on how to protect yourself against ticks.

Prevention Before Going to a Compounding Pharmacy in Calgary

Keep to Footpaths & Avoid Long Grass When Out Walking

Ticks are not as big of a problem in urban areas as in rural areas, but they can still be found. If you live in a forested place, avoid trails that lead into woods and dense, long grass where ticks tend to hide. Try to take the difficult way around when possible.

Wear a Long-Sleeved Shirt

Lyme disease is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi and is spread through ticks. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of a tick. Lyme disease is diagnosed through a blood test, but it can take up to several months to diagnose if you are bitten by a tick carrying the disease.

Tuck Your Trousers Into Your Socks

Ticks love to cling onto trousers and socks, so always tuck your pants into your socks. Tuck your trousers into your socks and wear sneakers that cover the length of your socks.

Use Repellent

Use repellent on exposed skin and clothes if you know you will be out walking in grassy areas. Try to avoid synthetic perfumes, as they attract ticks (one of the reasons why dogs often get bitten more frequently than humans).

Wear Light-Coloured Clothes

Wear light-coloured, tight-fitting clothing to make it easier to spot ticks on the skin. A tight weave on apparel is also best because it makes it harder for ticks to penetrate. The hair around your ankles and wrists should be kept short.

Check Yourself for Ticks & Remove Any at Once

Check yourself for ticks every hour or so when you are out walking. Remove ticks immediately with fine-tipped tweezers. If you wear glasses, remove your glasses so you can see them properly.

Check Your Children & Pets for Ticks

Pets often get ticks and show no signs of them. You should check your children if they are out in the garden too. The tick can attach for around 36 hours before passing on the disease it is carrying.

Use a Tick Exterminator on Your Yard & Garden

If you live in an area with thick grass and woods, you should talk to a pest controller to use a tick exterminator in your garden and yard. These devices take out families of ticks hiding under grass or around garden plants. They are used to exterminate fleas from pets too.

Ticks are an unpleasant experience if you find one attached to your skin. If you are out in the woods, on a park walk or on a forest trail, and see a lot of grass and leaves, it is best to avoid them. If you don’t have that option and still need to go in that area, try using some tick repellent. Also, use precautions like wearing dark colours, tucking your trousers into your socks and even wearing gloves when working in the garden.

Whether you live in Calgary or St Johns, COVID remains in Canada and combating the virus means working together as a collective to ensure all of the necessary vaccinations have been received by the general public. Although you may be satisfied with your two COVID vaccinations, a third booster dose is highly recommended by medical experts. While going out of your way to receiving yet another vaccination dose may seem excessive, the COVID booster shot is helpful to fight the virus and maintain your health effectively.

Find out more on why the COVID booster dose is required to keep you healthy and safe.

What is the booster vaccination?

Booster shots are the third dosage of the vaccination you initially received. Getting the same vaccination three times will strengthen your immune system against the COVID virus. The booster shot has become increasingly important as the changing COVID virus churns out new variants that you are less protected against with only two vaccinations. The third dose will help protect you against some of the new variants that you can be much more susceptible to if you only have two vaccinations.

How does the booster dose protect you?

As time goes on and your vaccination against the COVID virus begins to wane, getting your booster shot will help restrengthen your immune system to combat the COVID-19 virus effectively. Further, if your immune system is at all compromised or you’re elderly, getting your third dose should be administered for the best protection. This third dose will also lessen your chances of being hospitalized and dying due to the COVID-19 virus.

Is the booster effective against COVID and its variants?

Breakout infections do occur in fully vaccinated people where COVID can still be spread, but it appears that those who are fully vaccinated will spread the virus for a much shorter period of time. Being fully vaccinated, including receiving your booster, will reduce your chances of becoming sick from COVID-19 and its variants. While you won’t be immune to COVID with your vaccines, you will still minimize potential health issues from COVID and reduce the rates of transmission from the COVID and the Delta variant once you have received all three vaccinations. The third dose is further recommended by Canada’s National Committee on Immunization (CNCI). They explicitly state the booster shot will increase the immune response to the virus and offer long-lasting protection against COVID and its prevalent variants.

Who should get the booster dose

Four to six months after you have received your second vaccination, you are eligible to get your booster shot. While everyone over the age of five in most provinces can and should get the booster shot, those with underlying health conditions need to receive the third dose. For those working in healthcare, living in long-term care facilities, or are 70 years of age and older, getting the third dose can be extremely helpful to combat COVID and its hazardous symptoms.

Expect more doses

The third vaccination dose will significantly enhance your immune’s abilities to fight against COVID. But as new and more transmittable variants emerge, you should expect more vaccine doses to come that will continue to help combat the COVID virus. If you have yet to get your third dose and received your two vaccines more than six months prior, you should book a scheduled time at your local pharmacy to get your booster shot!

Getting your flu shot has become a yearly event for many as recommended by the medical community and the Canadian government. Receiving your flu shot is an important action to undertake as it ensures that you are protected from the yearly flu that is so easily spread. The frequency at which the flu shot is taken may prompt some to wonder why the flu vaccine changes every year–a valid question that is bound to be asked as the flu season approaches.

Here are the answers to any pressing questions about the flu vaccine and how it keeps you and those around you protected from seasonal illnesses!

Protection from the flu

According to information about the flu vaccine from the government of Canada, everyone over six months should receive their flu shots every year. It is your best protection against the flu and can prevent spreading the virus to others you encounter. It will reduce your chances of getting sick and having complications from the flu. More so, it will reduce your chances of getting COVID-19. This newly relevant factor is particularly important If you are susceptible to catching COVID and suffering from its potentially severe complications. Because of this, both the flu shot and your COVID vaccine will provide great benefits to your health and wellbeing.

Flu vaccine yearly change

The flu vaccine changes every year due to the constant evolution of the flu strain, and the vaccine must often adapt to these changes to better protect everyone from a new strain of flu. Every year, there is a collection of flu-related data that is closely examined by the World Health Organization (WHO). WHO is then responsible for choosing the strains most likely to spread during the yearly flu season. Based on the strains WHO has selected, a new vaccine is developed. Another reason why the flu vaccine is required to change each year is that the shot’s effectiveness eventually begins to wear off with each passing month. A flu shot will help your body’s immune system to adjust to these new flu strains.

Safe and effective

Receiving your flu shot is an effective method to avoid sickness and complications from the flu and it is also highly safe to put into your body. The yearly flu vaccine will dramatically reduce the severity of the infection and will protect you against three different flu strains that might be active during flu season. Side effects and reactions of any kind from a flu shot are infrequent, and catching the flu from the flu shot should not occur.

Staying healthy and safe

Getting your flu vaccine will help keep you healthy and safe during a fast-approaching flu season. The flu shot remains particularly important as we enter our second year of the pandemic, where complications from the flu and COVID can be severe and debilitating. As new strains of the flu develop each year, getting a yearly flu shot is vital in ensuring that your immune system can adequately adjust and fight off the flu.

The past two years have accumulated into a constant stream of information about COVID, vaccines, and the varying levels of restrictions. With restrictions being extended or reduced both provincially and nationally, it can be challenging to gauge what is permissible—especially if you have pending travel plans.

Here is everything you need to know about COVID, the vaccines, and travelling.

Vaccinate beforehand

To adequately prevent catching COVID, or passing the virus to someone else, the government of Canada strongly recommends getting two COVID vaccines and a booster shot if able. According to the government of Canada involving vaccines, travelling outside of the country will garner various restrictions depending on the country you enter and your vaccine status. You are also strongly advised to take precautions before leaving, like receiving the appropriate number of vaccinations at least two weeks before you jet off. Most airlines will not allow you if you are unvaccinated and travelling internationally or domestically. Few vaccine exemptions are permitted on a flight, but such exceptions should be researched carefully if they apply to you.

Precautions to take

When you are at your destination, make sure to wear a well-fitted mask in every public place you visit and bring your proof of vaccination. If you feel sick before you leave or after, isolating yourself away from others is another strong recommendation from the Canadian Government–even if you’re vaccinated. Constantly monitoring your general health and wellbeing as you travel can help identify if something feels off so you can isolate and take a COVID test.

While you monitor your own health, understanding the ongoing COVID situation within your destination as you plan your travels can determine whether or not it is safe and viable to proceed with your plans. The Canadian Government guidelines advise locating the medical services within your destination, along with the Canadian embassy, and looking into acquiring travellers insurance, all of which can make for the safest possible trip.

Returning to Canada

Much like before you travel to your destination, travelling back to Canada is unadvised if you feel ill and actively experience COVID symptoms or have been in close contact with someone else who has symptoms. If you are on the flight back to Canada and begin to experience symptoms, you are required under Canada’s quarantine act to contact a quarantine officer as soon as you’re able.

ArriveCAN

The government of Canada has mandated the use of ArriveCAN, an online resource that can be used on a laptop and smartphone. AriveCAN applies to anyone who is not vaccinated, and for those who are, an exception can be made if you have proof of vaccination on hand. If not, information must be provided to ArriveCAN within 72 hours of arriving in Canada. Without using ArriveCAN, unvaccinated Canadians can be subjected to border delays and fines.

Safe Travelling

There is no confirmed way to be spared from COVID, but taking necessary precautions can surely help. Washing your hands, wearing a mask, and most importantly, getting your vaccinations can relieve worry before you begin to travel. Learning more about the COVID vaccination and how it can prevent COVID can ensure your safe travels in the future.

Springborough Pharmasave is your health professional committed to serving the Springborough community. Our pharmacy in SW Calgary provides you with all you need for your health, including healthcare advice and medical products. We offer vaccinations, flu shots, breast pump rentals, and can act as your travel clinic in Calgary. Giving back to the community is a core value at Pharmasave. Further, we are proud of our work to help the Springborough community. Visit us at 104-30 Springborough Blvd, Southwest Calgary, or call us at (403) 453-6113.

It is wintertime, and people are starting to get sick. They are getting colds, the flu, sinus infections, respiratory problems, allergies and more. It’s not surprising that people are getting sick during winter; this is usually when there is a drop in temperature and more precipitation (rain or snow), which are both factors that give rise to many of these illnesses. People may feel like they need to ‘power through’ their seasonality symptoms with medications, but compounding pharmacies in Calgary offer another alternative: customized medication.

Compounding pharmacies make personalized medicines for patients who can’t take the medication in traditional form. Calgary compounding pharmacies work closely with doctors to provide the best course of treatment. If your cold or allergy symptoms are persistent, compounding pharmacies can make medications in small, effective doses. These compounding chemists work closely with doctors to evaluate each patient’s needs and recommend the most personalized treatment possible.

9 Reasons People Get Sick in Winter

1) Lower Temperatures

Lowering temperatures can cause people’s immune systems to weaken, making it easier for the common cold and flu viruses to take over. Lower temperatures can also decrease blood flow, affecting your body’s ability to fight off illness. Low temperatures deactivate enzymes responsible for protecting your immune system, allowing viruses to invade your body. This is one reason why people often get sick in the winter.

2) More Precipitation

There is more precipitation in rain or snow in the colder winter months. This can cause respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, sinus infections and allergies. Allergens like pollen are also more prevalent in the winter.

3) Indoor Activities

People spend more time indoors in the winter, which can increase the spread of germs. Indoors, there is less air circulation and humidity, weakening your immune system. When people are inside, they are also more likely to contact other sick people. For example, teachers may spread germs to students, co-workers to coworkers, etc.

4) Vitamin D Deficiency

When the sun is not shining brightly in the winter months, many people’s bodies are not getting enough vitamin D. Without proper calcium and vitamin D levels in your system; it has been found that asthma attacks increase. Vitamin D deficiency can also lead to a weakened immune system, making you more susceptible to illness.

5) Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

The seasonal affective disorder is typically experienced by individuals living in cold climates between the fall and spring when there isn’t much sunlight during these months. The human body needs exposure to ultraviolet light because it helps convert serotonin into melatonin; without this process, individuals can experience depressive symptoms.

6) Increased Stress Levels

In the winter, people are often under more stress because there is more to do and less daylight in which to do it. This increase in stress can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to getting sick.

7) Hot Drinks and Foods

Many people like to drink warm drinks and eat warm foods in the winter. However, hot drinks and foods can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to illness. When you drink something warm, your body has to work harder to cool down the liquid, taking energy away from your immune system. Similarly, eating hot foods can cause your internal temperature to rise, weakening your immune system.

8) Dry Air

Heating systems in winter can create very dry air, which can cause your throat to become irritated and make you more susceptible to infection. The lack of humidity in the air can also cause your skin to become dry, cracked, and itchy. In addition, when heated air passes over your mucous membranes, it can strip away their protective layer, making you more susceptible to infection.

9) Cold Weather Clothing

Wearing thick, warm clothing in the winter can prevent your body from cooling down properly and weaken your immune system. When your body cannot cool down, it has to use more energy to do so, which takes away resources from your immune system. Additionally, many people wear hats and scarves, which can cover their nose and mouth and prevent them from breathing properly. This can also lead to a weakened immune system.

When it comes to staying healthy in the winter, everyone should take care of themselves by getting enough sleep, eating well, and drinking lots of water. Try not to get too run down at work or school so that your immune system can fight off any germs you might be exposed to. Take extra care when you are around sick people and if you do get ill, try to stay home so that others can’t catch what you have.

How Calgary Compounding Pharmacies Can Help

Compounding pharmacies combine or alter ingredients to create the perfect formula for your individual needs. Many people may think that prescriptions are created equal, but there can be major differences in the way drugs affect people because everyone has different body chemistry and sensitivities. If you’re having trouble finding relief from your current medications, ask your doctor about compounding pharmacies as an alternative treatment option.

Unfortunately, you can get sick any time of the year. Summer is a particularly crummy time to be ill, as it can take away from any vacation or relaxation plans you may have. However, if you know what to look out for, you can perhaps decrease your chances of getting sick.

Let’s take a look at some of the more common summer illnesses.

4 Common Summer Illnesses

Heat-Related Illnesses

The sun often feels like a rare commodity in Canada, so we often take full advantage of it during those sunny summer months. However, too much sun can be hard on the body. If your body loses the ability to cool itself off, you may notice yourself feeling dizzy, tired, achy, or thirsty. Heatstroke and dehydration are two of the more common illnesses that result from the heat, but fortunately, they can be prevented by ensuring you’re not pushing your limits and stepping into the shade when needed.

Recreational Water Illnesses

Taking a dip in the local pool can feel incredibly refreshing on a hot summer day, but try your best to prevent any of the water from entering your body, whether that’s by accidentally swallowing a mouthful or having some get trapped in your ear.

Swimming pools, hot tubs, and even lakes are carriers of various types of bacteria. While your immune system can handle most of them, there can be the odd one that your body isn’t prepared for. Swimming can also cause water to be trapped in the ear canal and grow bacteria, thus resulting in swimmer’s ear, a type of ear infection. If you do develop an ear infection, consult your local physician and pharmacy as soon as possible.

Food Poisoning

Warm summer temperatures are the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive on your food. Therefore, when bringing food with you for a family picnic or day at the lake, ensure any foods that need to be refrigerated are kept in a cooler and meats are properly cooked.

Bug Bites

Generally, bug bites are more irritating than a cause for concern. However, it’s important to know that bites can be more than simply itchy. Bugs such as mosquitos and spiders can carry diseases, so if you develop a rash or fever following a bite, it’s recommended you visit the nearest pharmacy.

With all that said, don’t be afraid to enjoy the outdoors this summer! Simply know how to stay safe so that those common summer illnesses don’t dampen your fun. And if you do end up getting sick, just turn to your nearest compounding pharmacy in Calgary for assistance.

Immunity to a disease is achieved by possessing antibodies to said disease in a body. Antibodies are specific to a single disease, so while you may have antibodies against chickenpox, they will be useless against mumps.

You are able to achieve immunity to a disease in two different ways: passively and actively. Let’s take a look at how the two methods differ from each other.

Understanding The Difference Between Active & Passive Immunity

Active Immunity

Active immunity occurs when our own immune system is responsible for protecting us against a pathogen. This is the most common form of immunity that our bodies rely on. Active immunity is created when we are exposed to potentially harmful pathogens and our immune system works to neutralize them.

It’s important to note that not every pathogen is as dangerous and dire as the more troublesome diseases. From the air we breathe to the surfaces we touch, we are constantly coming into contact with pathogens. Our immune system determines whether they are harmful to our bodies, which, more often or not, they are not.

Active immunity relies on our immune system’s long-term memory, also known as immunologic memory. Essentially, these memory cells are constantly on patrol, circulating through our bodies. When they spot a pathogen whose access has not been approved, they converge on the pathogen while calling in backup. Since immunological memory allows antibodies to remember which pathogens they are designed to attack, they are able to take on the pathogens without confusion or delay.

Vaccines are also a form of active immunity. Sometimes we want our bodies to develop antibodies to a disease without having to interact with the pathogens first. When a vaccine is injected into our bodies, our immune system’s first instinct is to attack it, as it is foreign to us. However, since vaccines are designed to not actually harm our bodies, we actually gain the benefits of the exposure. Essentially, our antibodies are given the chance to train and participate in a trial run, familiarizing themselves with how the pathogen should look. That way, our antibodies are prepared for if the disease actually enters the body.

Passive Immunity

While everyone has experienced passive immunity at one point in their lives, this type of immunity is short-lived.

The most common type of passive immunity is through maternal antibodies. Unborn and newborn babies are protected by antibodies from their mother’s own immune system. These antibodies are shared in two ways: breast milk and the placenta. Naturally, once the baby is no longer exposed to either of these, the passive immunity will come to an end.

Another example of passive immunity is using antibodies from animals, other people, or synthetic materials to treat against the risk of infection. If you were to be bit by a poisonous snake, you would require an antivenom. This is a mixture of antibodies that have already been trained to deal with snake venom. However, once these particular antibodies have performed their job, they will cease to exist.