The primary function of the immune system is to identify and protect the body from disease-causing pathogens. Once the immune system is exposed to a particular pathogen, it creates antibodies that fight and work to eradicate those pathogens and keep the body from disease. However, the immune response to pathogens is sometimes not strong enough to prevent harmful or even fatal effects of the diseases they cause. With that in mind, vaccines work by introducing the immune system to antigen molecules similar to those that cover disease-causing pathogens in a trace, controlled, and weakened or inactivated amount. In response, the immune system can mount a proper defense and commit it to memory without getting sick from the disease or virus. As a result, if the immune system is exposed to the real or undiluted pathogen in the future, the vaccine will have already primed the immune system to respond with increased speed and strength to detect and eradicate the pathogen before it causes sickness or disease.  We welcome you to give us a call, schedule an appointment with us through our website, or visit one of our seven clinics for a walk-in appointment. We serve patients from West Moore OK, Norman (HealthPlex) OK, Norman (24th) OK, Edmond OK, Yukon OK, I-240 & Sooner RD OK, Tecumseh OK, and Bethany OK.