Reactogenicity: meaning, definitions and examples
💉
reactogenicity
[ ˌriːæktoʊdʒəˈnɪsɪti ]
medical terminology
Reactogenicity refers to the capacity of a substance, particularly vaccines, to produce common, mild adverse reactions in recipients. These reactions can include fever, redness at the injection site, and other general symptoms that indicate a response by the body’s immune system. Understanding reactogenicity is important for evaluating the safety profile of vaccines.
Synonyms
adverse response, reactionness, reactivity.
Examples of usage
- The reactogenicity of the new vaccine was evaluated in clinical trials.
- Patients were informed about the potential reactogenicity of the immunization.
- Monitoring reactogenicity is essential for safety assessments.
- The report detailed the reactogenicity observed in the study group.
Etymology
The term 'reactogenicity' is derived from the combination of the prefix 'reacto-' from the Latin 'reagere', meaning 'to react', and the suffix '-genicity', which is related to the production of effects or reactions within biological contexts. The word was popularized in the fields of immunology and vaccine development to describe the expected effects a vaccine might have on the human body, particularly regarding adverse effects. The need for such a term arose in the late 20th century as vaccination programs expanded globally, and there was a significant emphasis on monitoring both efficacy and safety of vaccines. Increased attention to public health and vaccine confidence necessitated a clear understanding of how patients might react to immunizations, thus contributing to the establishment of 'reactogenicity' in medical lexicons. This term helps convey important information regarding the short-term side effects of vaccines, hence ensuring informed consent among individuals receiving vaccinations.