What is the primary purpose of immunization?

The primary purpose of immunization is to make an individual immune to an infectious disease. Immunization works by stimulating the body's immune system to recognize and combat pathogens, such as viruses or bacteria. When a vaccine is administered, it introduces a harmless component of the pathogen (such as a weakened or inactivated form of the germ) or a piece of its genetic material. This prompts the immune system to respond by producing antibodies and training immune cells to recognize and fight off the actual disease if encountered in the future.

The significance of this process lies in its ability to protect not only the vaccinated individual but also the wider community through herd immunity, which occurs when a significant portion of a population becomes immune, thereby reducing the overall spread of the disease. This makes immunization a key public health strategy in preventing outbreaks and controlling infectious diseases.