ATI Immune System Quizlet Related

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With respect to vaccination against a particular infectious disease 'herd immunity' refers to:

  • A. The total number of people who are immunized in a given population
  • B. The protection offered to non-immunized people when high rates of immunization prevent the pathogen from spreading
  • C. The percentage of people who generate a protective response to the vaccine
  • D. The tendency of people to choose to be vaccinated if close contacts (friends and family) have been vaccinated
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Herd immunity refers to the protection offered to non-immunized individuals when a high percentage of the population is immunized, preventing the pathogen from spreading easily. This is because when a large portion of the population is immune to a disease, it creates a barrier that reduces the overall transmission of the pathogen, thus protecting those who are not vaccinated or cannot be vaccinated.

Choice A is incorrect because herd immunity is not solely about the total number of immunized individuals, but rather about the impact on the entire population. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to the efficacy of the vaccine in generating a protective response, not the concept of herd immunity. Choice D is incorrect as it relates to social influence rather than the collective protection provided by high rates of immunization.