Final answer:
Vaccines do not contain antibodies; instead, they introduce antigens that stimulate the immune system to produce its own antibodies, creating an immune memory to better respond to future exposures to the pathogen.
Step-by-step explanation:
False, vaccines do not contain antibodies which are recognized by the immune system. Instead, vaccines work by introducing antigens into the body, which stimulate the immune system to produce its own antibodies in response to these antigens.
Vaccines are designed to elicit an immune response by introducing a version of the pathogen's antigens to the body. These antigens, which could be weakened or inactivated pathogens, or pieces of the pathogen such as proteins or polysaccharides, prompt antigen-presenting cells to display them on their surfaces, attracting the attention of the immune system. The contact between antigens and helper T cells triggers a chain of events leading to the activation and proliferation of B cells, which then produce antibodies targeting the specific pathogen.
The primary goal of vaccination is to create a memory of the pathogen within the immune system. This immune memory ensures that if the individual is exposed to the genuine pathogen in the future, their body can respond quickly and effectively, neutralizing the threat before it causes serious illness.