The Truth About Vaccines

Vaccines are medical interventions designed to stimulate the body’s immune system to recognize and fight specific pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria. They contain weakened or inactive parts of the germ, or its genetic material, which prepares the immune system to respond effectively if exposed in the future. Vaccines have drastically reduced, or even eliminated, many infectious diseases, protecting both individuals and communities through herd immunity. While they can have mild side effects, the benefits of vaccination—such as preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death—far outweigh the risks, making them a critical tool for public health.