Articles
How vaccines actually work: A simple guide
Content
It's all about the germ
Live vaccines
Inactivated vaccines
Vaccines based on an organism component
Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines
Toxoid vaccines
What you can do
It's all about the germ
Live vaccines
Inactivated vaccines
Vaccines based on an organism component
Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines
Toxoid vaccines
What you can do
Live vaccines
Live vaccines use a weakened form of a germ to help your body build protection without making you sick. Live vaccines protect against:
- Chickenpox, also called varicella.
- Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
- Rotavirus.
- Smallpox.
- Yellow fever.
Live vaccines are usually given to people who have healthy immune systems. They aren't recommended for people who have weakened immune systems, like those getting chemotherapy.
