Vaccines

Why are vaccines mostly taken in a young age?

Most vaccines are administered at a young age because children's immune systems are still developing and are more vulnerable to infectious diseases. Vaccinating early helps protect infants and young children from serious illnesses like measles, polio, and whooping cough, which can have severe or even life-threatening consequences. By receiving vaccines early, children can build immunity before they are exposed to these harmful pathogens, offering them critical protection during the most vulnerable stages of life. Additionally, administering vaccines in childhood helps establish long-term immunity, ensuring that the body can recognize and fight off diseases if exposed later in life. Many childhood vaccines, like those for hepatitis B or diphtheria, provide protection for many years or even a lifetime. Starting the vaccination process early also ensures that children are protected during critical periods of social interaction, such as starting school, where the risk of exposure to contagious diseases increases.

what do vaccines protect us from

Vaccines protect us from a wide range of infectious diseases by training our immune system to recognize and fight harmful pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. Diseases like measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and whooping cough, which once caused widespread illness and death, can now be prevented through vaccination. By introducing a harmless version or component of the disease-causing organism into the body, vaccines stimulate the production of antibodies without causing the illness, providing immunity and reducing the risk of serious infections. In addition to protecting individuals, vaccines also safeguard entire communities by preventing the spread of contagious diseases. This phenomenon, known as herd immunity, occurs when a large portion of the population is vaccinated, making it difficult for a disease to spread, especially to those who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants or people with weakened immune systems. Vaccines, therefore, not only protect against immediate illness but also contribute to long-term public health by controlling and even eradicating diseases globally.