
Vaccines
Medical conceptAbout
Vaccines are medical preparations designed to stimulate the body's immune system against specific diseases. They contain weakened or killed forms of pathogens, such as viruses or bacteria, which do not cause the disease but train the immune system to recognize and fight them. Vaccines are administered through injections, oral consumption, or nasal sprays and are crucial in preventing infectious diseases like measles, polio, and influenza. They have been instrumental in saving millions of lives by reducing the incidence of these diseases. Vaccines work by inducing an immune response, where the body produces antibodies to combat pathogens. This response also creates a memory, allowing the immune system to quickly defend against future infections. Vaccination not only protects individuals but also contributes to community immunity, safeguarding those who cannot receive vaccines due to health reasons. Over time, vaccines have evolved to include various types, such as mRNA and viral vector vaccines, and have been pivotal in controlling outbreaks and eradicating diseases like smallpox.