A vaccine containing an inactive pathogen prompts the body to create antibodies. These antibodies enable the immune system to recognize and combat the pathogen in the future. This process also involves the formation of memory cells for quicker responses to real infections.
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The appropriate word to complete the sentence is "antibodies." When a vaccine containing an inactive pathogen is injected into a person, it stimulates the immune system to recognize the pathogen and produce antibodies. These antibodies help the body to identify and combat the actual pathogen if encountered in the future, thereby providing immunity.