Vaccines: Types, Importance, and Safety

Vaccines

Exposure to a weakened or dead viruses to help our bodies build immunity toward diseases. PREVENTS viral infections.

1. What is a vaccine?
A vaccine is a biological preparation that enhances a person’s immune system and prepares it to recognize and fight specific pathogens before the person gets infected.

2. How does a vaccine work?
A vaccine works by introducing a weakened or a dead form of the pathogen, or a piece of it, into the body. This triggers the immune system to produce antibodies and memory cells that can identify and fight the real pathogen when it enters the body later.

3. Why are vaccines important?
Vaccines are important because they help prevent diseases from spreading and save lives. They provide immunity to people, making them less susceptible to diseases and help in controlling the spread of a disease by reducing its transmission.

4. What are the common types of vaccines?
The common types of vaccines are:

– Inactivated or killed vaccines – which use the inactivated or dead form of the virus or bacteria
– Live attenuated vaccines – which use a weakened form of the virus or bacteria
– Subunit, recombinant, or conjugate vaccines – which use a specific protein or a part of the virus or bacteria
– mRNA vaccines – which deliver a piece of genetic material called mRNA that teaches our cells how to make a protein that triggers an immune response

5. Are vaccines safe?
Yes, vaccines are safe. Vaccines undergo rigorous testing and clinical trials before being approved for use. The risk of severe side effects from vaccines is very low compared to the risks and complications of the diseases they prevent. It is important to note that any reported adverse effects are closely monitored, investigated, and addressed appropriately.

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