What is the main objective of vaccines?

The main objective of vaccines is to stimulate the immune system to develop protection against diseases. By introducing a harmless component of a pathogen, such as proteins or inactivated viruses, vaccines teach the immune system to recognize and respond to the actual pathogen if encountered in the future. This immune response includes the production of antibodies and memory cells, which provide long-lasting defense against specific infectious diseases.

This preventive approach is key to public health, as widespread vaccination can lead to herd immunity, reducing the overall prevalence of diseases within a population. Vaccines are designed to prime the immune system rather than treat existing conditions or infections, thereby preventing diseases before they can take hold.