You Have a Friend Unfamiliar with Immunology, and He Asks

question 15

Essay

You have a friend unfamiliar with immunology, and he asks you the following question: "Why do I need the flu shot every year, but don't need an annual chickenpox vaccine?" As a student of immunology, how would you explain this discrepancy to your friend? Use evidence to support your answer.

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Definitions:

Self-Enhancement Motive

The drive to maintain or improve one’s self-view or self-esteem, often by focusing on positive feedback and downplaying negatives.

Appraisal Motive

The desire to learn the truth about oneself, including one's traits, abilities, and feelings.

Consistency Motive

The driving force behind individuals' desire to maintain harmony and consistency among their beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors.

Phenomenal Self

The aspect of an individual's perception and consciousness experienced as the 'self', encompassing personal identities and subjective experiences.