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Your immune system is made up of many different cells and organs. This complex system is in charge of fighting disease. Here’s how it works:
When disease-causing germs enter your body, your immune system makes antibodies. Antibodies help fight infection. But the foreign “invaders” have a head start. They grow quickly. By the time your immune system has made enough antibodies to fight them, you may already be sick.
But, once you’ve had an infection, your immune system “knows” the germ that causes it. If the germ tries to enter your body again, then your immune system acts faster. It defends you. This defense can last for years. That’s why most people only get certain infections one time.
What do vaccines do?
Vaccines help your body protect itself. It is like the process that occurs after an infection. But there’s a key difference. You get immunity without getting the illnesses.
When you get a vaccination, it triggers your body’s immune system. You make antibodies to fight the disease. Sometimes, you might have mild side effects like a sore arm or mild fever.
After your body has made enough antibodies, you’re immune to the disease. So, if you’re exposed to the disease-causing germ in the future, your immune system is ready to fight it off.
In some cases, immunity can wear off over time. That’s why you need booster shots
for some vaccines. These shots are given to keep up your protection against the disease.
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