Vaccines are one of the most significant achievements in modern medicine. They work by introducing a harmless part of a virus or bacteria—often inactivated or weakened—into the body to stimulate an immune response. This prepares the immune system to fight future infections without causing illness. Vaccines have successfully eradicated smallpox and drastically reduced diseases like polio, measles, and hepatitis. Recent advances include mRNA vaccines, like those used for COVID-19, which teach cells to produce virus-fighting proteins. Despite their effectiveness, vaccine hesitancy remains a challenge. Promoting vaccine education and access is essential to prevent outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations.
