What is the primary goal of vaccination?

The primary goal of vaccination is to confer immunity. Vaccination works by introducing a harmless component or a weakened version of a pathogen (such as a virus or bacterium) into the body. This stimulates the immune system to recognize the pathogen as a threat, prompting the generation of a specific immune response. The immune system then develops memory cells that retain the information on how to combat the pathogen in the future. As a result, if the vaccinated individual later encounters the real pathogen, their immune system is prepared and can respond more quickly and effectively, preventing illness.

While curing diseases, inducing inflammation, and diagnosing illnesses are important aspects of healthcare, they do not capture the essence of vaccination. Vaccines aim to prevent disease by building immunity, which is the central focus of immunization strategies in public health.