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Vaccines
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What Are Vaccines?
Vaccines are biological preparations designed to stimulate the immune system and provide protection against specific infectious diseases. They work by introducing a harmless part of the pathogen, such as weakened or inactivated microorganisms, or their genetic material, to trigger an immune response.
How Do Vaccines Work?
Vaccines teach the immune system to recognize and fight pathogens. When vaccinated, the body creates memory cells that can quickly respond if exposed to the actual disease in the future, preventing severe illness.
Types of Vaccines
- Live Attenuated Vaccines: Contain weakened forms of the pathogen (e.g., measles, mumps, rubella).
- Inactivated Vaccines: Contain killed pathogens (e.g., polio, hepatitis A).
- Subunit, Recombinant, or Conjugate Vaccines: Use specific parts of the pathogen (e.g., HPV, hepatitis B).
- mRNA Vaccines: Deliver genetic material to teach cells how to make a protein that triggers immunity (e.g., COVID-19).
Why Are Vaccines Important?
- Prevent Disease: Reduce the risk of life-threatening illnesses like polio, measles, and meningitis.
- Protect Communities: Achieve herd immunity, safeguarding those who cannot be vaccinated.
- Eradicate Diseases: Contribute to eliminating diseases globally, like smallpox.
- Economic Benefits: Reduce healthcare costs by preventing disease outbreaks.
Vaccine Safety
Vaccines undergo rigorous testing for safety and efficacy before approval. Side effects, if any, are usually mild and temporary, such as fever or soreness at the injection site.