What is the primary purpose of vaccination?

The primary purpose of vaccination is to provide long-lasting immunity without causing the disease itself. Vaccines work by introducing a harmless form or a component of a pathogen into the body, which stimulates the immune system to recognize and remember that pathogen. This process allows the immune system to mount a rapid and effective response if it encounters the actual pathogen in the future, thereby preventing illness.

While vaccines are designed to teach the immune system to recognize specific pathogens, they do not cure diseases once a person is already infected, nor do they eliminate all pathogens from the body. Additionally, vaccinations are specifically aimed at preventing infectious diseases rather than non-infectious diseases, which are generally addressed through other medical interventions. Therefore, the focus on providing immunity without resulting in illness is the cornerstone of how vaccines function and their primary goal in public health.