Vaccines work by helping the body build immunity without causing illness. They do this by introducing a harmless part or a weakened version of a virus or bacteria into the body. This "fake invader" doesn't make you sick, but it teaches your immune system how to recognize and fight the real pathogen if it ever enters your body in the future. The immune system creates antibodies special proteins that target and destroy the pathogen and stores that knowledge for later use.
Why Vaccines Are Important for Public Health
Vaccines not only protect individuals, but they also help protect entire communities through what's called "herd immunity." When enough people are vaccinated, it becomes harder for diseases to spread, especially to those who can't be vaccinated like newborns or people with certain medical conditions. Vaccines have helped eliminate or control deadly diseases like smallpox, polio, and measles, making them one of the most powerful tools in modern medicine. Shutdown123