| Q: Why do I need a vaccine shot to gain immunity? Why can't I just be exposed to the pathogen instead? A: Well, you will gain immunity this way, but you will catch the disease that the pathogen causes as well. Because unlike the real pathogen, vaccines are weakened or partial forms of the pathogens and are not strong enough to make you sick. Vaccines are usually given for diseases that can be very dangerous, causing you to get very sick or even die. By getting a vaccine, you can gain immunity to the pathogen without risking the chance that you'll get sick or die. Push play to hear the answer. |
Click here to return to the doctor's office.