Did you know? One child dies every 20 seconds from a disease that could have been prevented with vaccination. However, children who survive develop severe physical disabilities. Immunity Our immune system is designed to protect us from anything foreign entering our bodies. Doctors call these things “non-self.” When a disease-causing organism, that is, a germ–virus or bacterium enters the body, the immune system recognizes it as “non-self” and produces antibodies to get rid of it. These antibodies find and destroy the specific germ that is causing the infection. In addition to destroying the germ, the immune system records every pathogen it has ever defeated to recognize and destroy the microbe quickly if it re-enters the body. This is called immunity! Immunity is why a person who gets an infectious disease doesn’t get it again. It is indeed a very efficient system, but there is only one problem. The first time a child is exposed to a disease or infection, their immune system cannot create antibodies fast enough to keep them from getting sick. Eventually, the immune system will fight off the infection and This staggering number underlines the fact that globally, one out of five children does not receive timely immunization that could not only save lives but keep children safe and healthy. 11
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