Immunization: meaning, definitions and examples
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immunization
[ ɪˌmjuːnɪzˈeɪʃən ]
healthcare
The process of making a person immune or resistant to an infectious disease, typically by the administration of a vaccine.
Synonyms
immunotherapy, inoculation, vaccination
Examples of usage
- Children receive immunization against measles at a young age.
- Annual flu shots are a common form of immunization.
- The government launched a campaign to increase immunization rates in the population.
Word origin
The concept of immunization dates back to ancient civilizations, where methods such as variolation (exposing a person to a mild form of smallpox to induce immunity) were practiced. The modern use of vaccines for immunization began in the late 18th century with Edward Jenner's development of the smallpox vaccine. Over time, advances in immunology and technology have led to the creation of vaccines for various infectious diseases, significantly reducing the impact of many deadly illnesses.