What is the purpose of vaccine administration?

The purpose of vaccine administration is to prepare the immune system against future infections. Vaccines work by introducing a harmless component of a pathogen, such as a protein or a weakened form of the virus, into the body. This exposure stimulates the immune system to recognize and remember the pathogen without causing the disease itself. As a result, if the individual is later exposed to the actual pathogen, their trained immune system can mount a faster and more effective response, thereby preventing illness.

Immediate antiviral treatment is not associated with vaccines, as they are preventative rather than therapeutic. Educating patients about disease symptoms is an important aspect of healthcare but is not the primary function of vaccination. Additionally, vaccines do not replace the need for antibiotics since antibiotics target bacterial infections, whereas vaccines are designed to prevent viral and some bacterial diseases through immune response stimulation. Thus, the main goal of vaccination is to fortify the immune system against potential future infections.