Science Common Sense

36 - How do vaccines work?

Vaccines are special medicines that help your body fight against diseases. Here's how they work:

1. A small piece of a germ: A vaccine has a tiny piece of a germ (like a virus or bacteria) or a weakened version of it.
2. Your body sees the germ: When you get the vaccine, your body sees the germ and says, "Hey, this is a bad guy!"
3. Your body makes soldiers: Your body creates special soldiers called antibodies to fight the germ.
4. The soldiers remember the germ: These antibodies remember the germ, so if it ever comes back, they're ready to fight it again.
5. You're protected: Now you're protected from getting sick because your body can recognize and fight the germ.

Think of it like training your body's army to fight against bad guys (germs) so you don't get sick!