Vaccinations are medical treatments that help protect people from certain diseases. They work by introducing a small, harmless part of a virus or bacteria into the body, which trains the immune system to recognize and fight off the real infection. This way, if someone is exposed to the disease later, their body is ready to defend itself. Vaccines have been crucial in reducing illnesses like measles and polio. Getting vaccinated not only helps individuals stay healthy but also protects the wider community. When enough people are vaccinated, it creates herd immunity, making it harder for diseases to spread. This is especially important for those who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants or people with certain health conditions.