Vaccines are biological preparations that stimulate the immune system to produce immunity against specific diseases without causing the disease itself. They typically contain weakened or inactivated forms of the microorganism (such as viruses or bacteria), parts of the microorganism, or toxins produced by the microorganism. Vaccination primes the immune system to recognize and mount a defense against the actual pathogen if encountered in the future, preventing or reducing the severity of disease. Vaccines have played a critical role in controlling and eradicating infectious diseases worldwide, contributing significantly to public health by preventing millions of illnesses, disabilities, and deaths each year.
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