Immunizations and vaccinations are critical components of preventive healthcare, designed to protect individuals from infectious diseases. A vaccine contains weakened or inactive parts of a particular pathogen (such as bacteria or viruses) that trigger the body’s immune system to recognize and fight the disease without causing the illness itself. Immunization refers to the process where a person becomes protected from a disease through vaccination or by recovering from the disease itself.
Vaccines stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies, which remain in the body to recognize and combat future infections. Common vaccinations include those for measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), polio, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTP), hepatitis B, influenza, and more. Immunizations follow a recommended schedule, especially for infants and children, to ensure timely protection during critical developmental stages. Vaccination programs have significantly reduced or eradicated many life-threatening diseases worldwide, making them a cornerstone of public health.
