Question

The reason why some vaccines require booster shots is because they are ______?

1) Not effective enough
2) Only effective for a short period of time
3) Unable to provide long-term immunity
4) Prone to mutations

Answer 1

Vaccines require booster shots because they are only effective for a short period of time due to viral mutations. Some viruses, like influenza, mutate quickly, requiring yearly vaccinations, while others mutate infrequently, allowing the same vaccine to be effective for a longer duration.

Step-by-step explanation:

Some vaccines require booster shots because they are only effective for a short period of time. For example, certain viruses like influenza have a high mutation rate compared to other viruses. Mutations in the surface molecules of the virus help it evade protective immunity obtained from previous vaccinations, making it necessary to get vaccinated every year. On the other hand, some viruses, such as those that cause measles, mumps, and rubella, mutate infrequently, allowing the same vaccine to be effective for an extended period.