boosterrokotukset

Boosterrokotukset, also known as booster shots, are additional doses of a vaccine administered after the primary vaccination series. They are designed to restore or enhance the immunity that may have decreased over time since the initial vaccination. This is important because the body's immune response to a vaccine can wane, leaving individuals more susceptible to the disease the vaccine is intended to prevent.

Booster doses work by re-exposing the immune system to a weakened or inactivated form of the pathogen, or its components, such as an antigen. This prompts the immune system to mount a new, stronger response, including the production of antibodies and memory cells. These memory cells are crucial for a rapid and effective defense if the individual is later exposed to the actual pathogen.

The need for and timing of boosterrokotukset depend on several factors, including the specific vaccine, the disease it protects against, the individual's age and health status, and the level of circulating disease in the community. Public health authorities often recommend booster shots for certain populations or at specific intervals to maintain optimal protection. Examples include tetanus boosters, flu shots, and, more recently, COVID-19 vaccine boosters. These additional doses are a key strategy in public health for prolonging and strengthening vaccine-induced immunity.