This is a very important distinction. Anti-vaxxers often misrepresent this method of immune system building to justify allowing dangerous infections to spread. It's like saying:

"Exercise technically damages your muscles so your body builds them back stronger... so I don't need to take precautions against injuring myself at the gym."

Most infections are benign, but you should absolutely still get yourself and your children vaccinated against the ones that aren't.

[–] LordMayor@piefed.social 3 points 3 days ago

Also, vaccines work in the exact same way as exposure to live viruses. The difference is that the vaccine can’t cause an infection because it’s either a dead or disabled version of the virus. Anti-vax people don’t seem to get this.

And, some people think that their body’s reaction to the vaccine means that the vaccine made them sick. It’s normal to have flu symptoms with the flu vaccine. Your body fights it the same way That’s intentional. It’s how your immune system builds a defense against the virus.