How do booster shots extend vaccine protection over time?
Quick Answer
Booster shots remind the immune system about a pathogen and raise antibody levels again. They can also refresh immune memory when protection fades.
The Full Story
After vaccination, antibody levels often rise and then gradually decline over months or years. A booster shot re-exposes the immune system to the antigen, causing memory cells to multiply and produce more antibodies. This can restore strong protection against infection or severe disease. Boosters are used for diseases where immunity fades or where the pathogen changes over time, such as tetanus and influenza. The timing of boosters depends on how long protection lasts and on the person’s age, health, and exposure risk.
Key Facts
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