The primary difference between a vaccine and a medicine is the purpose of each. Vaccines are used to prevent disease, while medicines are used to treat illnesses that have already occurred. Vaccines are composed of antigens, which are agents that induce the body’s immune system to produce antibodies to fight off future infection. Vaccines can be live or inactivated, and they can be administered in a variety of ways, such as orally, topically, or through an injection. Vaccines are most often given to infants, children, and adults to protect them from certain communicable diseases.
Medicines, on the other hand, are typically composed of active ingredients that work to treat a specific illness. Medicines come in many forms, such as pills, liquids, creams, and injections, and they are intended to provide relief from symptoms or to fight the underlying cause of an illness. Medicines are made to treat a wide range of illnesses, including infections, chronic and acute conditions, and mental health conditions.
In short, vaccines are used to prevent diseases, while medicines are used to treat illnesses that have already occurred. Vaccines are typically administered to large groups of people, while medicines are typically administered to individuals who are suffering from specific illnesses.