Vaccines are a powerful tool used to protect the body against infectious diseases. They work by training the immune system to recognize and fight off harmful pathogens, such as viruses or bacteria, without causing illness. Most vaccines contain a weakened or inactivated form of a pathogen, or pieces of it like proteins, which trigger an immune response. Once the body has built a defense against the disease, it "remembers" how to fight it in the future, reducing the risk of serious illness if exposed again.
Vaccination has played a key role in global public health by preventing outbreaks and even eradicating some diseases, such as smallpox. Modern vaccines, including mRNA vaccines like those developed for COVID-19, represent major advancements in science and have helped protect millions of lives. Maintaining high vaccination rates is essential to achieving herd immunity and protecting vulnerable populations, especially in areas with limited access to healthcare. Shutdown123