How the immune response to vaccines is created, maintained and measured: addressing patient questions about vaccination.

This article gives an overview of the immune response to vaccines, including ways in which it is measured and/or augmented to enhance its effectiveness. A brief description is given of the immune response, adaptive immunity, immunologic memory, antibodies, and adjuvants. Given that many young parents and physicians have never witnessed the ravages of vaccine-preventable diseases, it is hoped this article will aid the many people involved in the prevention of infectious disease to understand better the concepts and practicalities of immunization and vaccine development.