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Biological basis of child health 14: understanding the immune system, vaccines, allergy and disease

Last Reviewed: 22/11/2023
understanding the immune system

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This article, the 14th in a series on the biological basis of child health, focuses on the immune system. It provides an overview of pathogens to which the human body is susceptible, some of the milestones in the embryological development of the immune system, and some of the mechanisms of innate and acquired immunity. The article explains the importance of immunisations and provides examples of immune system dysfunctions and autoimmune conditions that children may experience. It is essential that children’s nurses have an understanding of how the immune system develops, how it is structured and how it functions, since such knowledge will be relevant in the care of a range of conditions where nurses need to explain infection, inflammation and immune processes to children and parents.

Who is this resource for?

Explains what the component is for

This resource is aimed at nurses and nursing support workers across all settings and levels of practice, including students of health, social work and care professions.

Why you should read this article

to refresh your knowledge of innate and acquired immunity and the different types of immune response

to reflect on the importance of immunisations and how to explain it to parents

to count towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD, or you may wish to write a reflective account (UK readers)

to contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers)

Authors

Kate Davies

Associate professor of paediatric prescribing and endocrinology - London South Bank University, and honorary research fellow in paediatric endocrinology, Queen Mary University of London, London, England

Rebecca Batt

Advanced nurse practitioner in paediatric allergy - Evelina London Children’s Healthcare, London, England

Doreen Crawford

Consultant editor of Nursing Children and Young People and nurse adviser - Crawford-McKenzie, Colsterworth, Lincolnshire, England

Acknowledgements

The RCN delivers quality-assured and up-to-date resources for the nursing workforce. Reviewed annually, RCN Learn resources meet the RCN Nine Quality Standards.

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PDF Created On: 19 Feb 2025.
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Last Reviewed: 22/11/2023