How does a vaccine for a particular disease immunise the human body against that disease?
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Vaccines are clever, they trick our bodies into building immunity against infectious diseases, without causing the illness. Usually, a dead or weakened version of the disease-causing germ (bacteria or virus) is introduced to our immune system. In some cases, inactivated toxins produced by the germ are used in the vaccine to develop immunity (for example, diphtheria and tetanus vaccines). We call these antigens, and they are the most important ingredient of all vaccines.
Once we’ve been vaccinated, if our immune system encounters the ‘real’ disease- causing germ, it responds quickly and creates antibodies and memory cells to give the body protection.
Immunisation (vaccination) is the most effective preventative measure against serious diseases. Some vaccines offer lifelong immunity. In other cases, ‘catch-ups’ or booster shots are needed.
Once we’ve been vaccinated, if our immune system encounters the ‘real’ disease- causing germ, it responds quickly and creates antibodies and memory cells to give the body protection.
Immunisation (vaccination) is the most effective preventative measure against serious diseases. Some vaccines offer lifelong immunity. In other cases, ‘catch-ups’ or booster shots are needed.
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