What is the purpose of vaccines?

Vaccines serve the purpose of tricking the immune system into producing antibodies. When a vaccine is administered, it typically contains a weakened or inactivated part of a particular organism that causes disease, such as proteins or sugars derived from the pathogen. This exposure helps the immune system recognize the pathogen in a safe manner without causing illness.

As a result, the immune system responds by generating antibodies specific to that pathogen. If the vaccinated individual later comes into contact with the actual disease-causing organism, the immune system is primed and can quickly produce the necessary antibodies to combat the infection, thus providing protection. This is a fundamental principle of vaccination and is essential for preventing diseases.

The other options do not accurately represent the function of vaccines. While genetics may play a role in individual immunity, vaccines do not directly enhance genetic immunity. Additionally, vaccines are not designed to kill bacteria directly; rather, they prepare the immune system to fight them off if encountered in the future. Instant immunity is also not provided by vaccines; instead, it takes time for the body to develop an immune response and produce the necessary antibodies following vaccination.