immunization

American  

[im-yuh-nuh-zey-shuhn, ih-myoo-] / ˌɪm yə nəˈzeɪ ʃən, ɪˌmyu- /

noun

1. the fact or process of becoming immune, as against a disease.

2. Finance. a method of protection against fluctuating bond interest rates by investing in securities having different yields and terms.

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immunization Scientific  

/ ĭm′yə-nĭ-zā′shən /

1. The process of inducing immunity to an infectious organism or agent in an individual or animal through vaccination.

2. A vaccination that induces immunity. A recommended schedule of immunizations for infants and young children includes vaccines against diphtheria, polio, tetanus, measles, mumps, and rubella.

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immunization Cultural  

1. The process of inducing immunity, usually through inoculation or vaccination.

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Usage

What’s the difference between immunization, vaccination, and inoculation? In the context of medicine, the words immunization, vaccination, and inoculation are often used in overlapping ways, and for good reason—they all involve the process of introducing a substance (especially a vaccine) into a person’s body with the goal of preventing them from getting a particular disease.Vaccination is the most specific of the three terms, because it always involves introducing a vaccine, which usually consists of a small amount of a killed, weakened, or otherwise modified version of a disease (such as a virus or bacterium). While inoculation has other meanings outside the context of medicine, in modern healthcare it’s typically used interchangeably with vaccination (though it’s used less commonly).Immunization is slightly different—it refers to the process of providing immunity from a specific disease. While the goal of vaccinating someone is often to immunize them, not all vaccines provide permanent immunity. Some vaccines provide what amounts to long-term immunity, while others only lead to a temporary protection, after which the body “forgets” how to make certain antibodies. In these cases, a booster shot or dose is often required, consisting of a follow-up vaccination to boost or renew the protection gained from the earlier vaccination.Both vaccination and inoculation can refer to a shot or dose, as opposed to the process of providing or receiving such doses, as in I’m scheduled to get a vaccination on Friday. The word immunization can be used in the same way to refer to such a vaccination when it’s one that provides immunity, as in Have you received all of your immunizations?Want to learn more? Read the full breakdown of the difference between immunize, vaccinate, and inoculate.

Discover More

Frequently, schoolchildren are required by state law to be immunized against certain diseases. Because of such widespread immunization, many diseases that used to be fairly common, including smallpox, tetanus, and whooping cough, have become rare.

Other Word Forms

• hyperimmunization noun
• nonimmunization noun

Etymology

Origin of immunization

First recorded in 1890–95; immunize + -ation

Compare meaning

How does immunization compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• vaccination vs. immunization

Example Sentences

That organization has repeatedly questioned the safety and necessity of childhood immunizations, including the MMR vaccine.

From Salon

“Without timely immunizations, some children will become infected, and unfortunately, some will die.”

From Salon

“The childhood immunization schedule is an important framework that we use to protect children from harmful and potentially deadly childhood diseases,” O’Leary said.

From Salon

“The vaccine is so effective, it does not make sense in my mind to change the immunization schedule,” Meissner said.

From Barron's

The Goalkeepers report details how lives can be saved for relatively low amounts of funding for preventive measures including routine exams and immunizations.

From Barron's