IMMUNIZATION SERVICES 

Immunization is a process that helps protect individuals from infectious diseases. According to various sources, immunization can be defined as:

- The artificial means of protecting children under five years and women of childbearing age from deadly bacterial and viral infections that are communicable and vaccine-preventable.

- The administration of antigens into the body to stimulate the production of antibodies against specific infections.

- The process of introducing live, attenuated, inactivated, or weakened viruses, bacteria, or detoxified toxins into the body to enhance the body's defense mechanism and stimulate it to fight against specific infections.

Immunization can be classified into two main types:

1 Active Immunization

Active immunization involves introducing vaccines that trigger the production of specific antibodies by the host's immune system. This type of immunization provides complete or partial protection, which can last for years or even a lifetime. Examples of active immunization include vaccination against diseases such as measles, mumps, and rubella.

2 Passive Immunization

Passive immunization involves administering specific antibodies against a particular infective agent into the body of a susceptible host. This type of immunization offers temporary protection to non-immune individuals. An example of passive immunization is the administration of antitetanus serum (ATS).

Immunization plays a crucial role in preventing the spread of infectious diseases and protecting vulnerable populations, such as children and pregnant women. By understanding the different types of immunization and how they work, we can better appreciate the importance of vaccination in maintaining public health.