VACCINES Meaning and
Definition
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Vaccines are biological substances that are designed to provide protection against infectious diseases. They are typically composed of weakened or killed microorganisms, such as bacteria or viruses, or parts of them, known as antigens. The purpose of vaccines is to stimulate the immune system in order to develop immunity against specific diseases.
Vaccines work by introducing these antigens into the body, which triggers an immune response. The immune system recognizes these substances as foreign and produces antibodies to fight against them. These antibodies not only help in fighting the specific infection but also create a memory response, providing long-term protection against future infections by the same pathogen.
The use of vaccines has significantly reduced the incidence of several debilitating diseases, such as measles, polio, and smallpox. They have been instrumental in preventing millions of deaths and improving overall public health. Vaccination programs are often implemented on a global scale to control the spread of contagious diseases.
Vaccines undergo rigorous testing and approval processes before being made available to the public. Extensive research and clinical trials are conducted to ensure their safety and efficacy. The development and distribution of vaccines involve collaboration between scientists, pharmaceutical companies, regulatory authorities, and healthcare professionals.
It is important to note that vaccines are not without risks, but the benefits of vaccination generally outweigh the potential side effects. Vaccines are a vital tool in disease prevention, helping to protect individuals, communities, and populations from infectious diseases.
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Etymology of VACCINES
The word "vaccine" originates from the Latin word "vaccinus", which means "of or pertaining to cows". This Latin term was derived from "vacca", meaning "cow". The etymology of the word is connected to the history of smallpox vaccination. In the 18th century, an English physician named Edward Jenner noticed that milkmaids who contracted a mild illness called cowpox seemed to be immune to smallpox. He hypothesized that exposure to cowpox protected against smallpox and developed a method to use material from cowpox sores to vaccinate against the deadly disease. The term "vaccine" was coined to reflect the connection to cows and the use of cowpox material for immunization.
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