Vaccination Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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vaccination

[หŒvรฆk.sษชหˆneษช.สƒษ™n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

public health

The act of giving a person or an animal a vaccine to protect them against a disease.

Synonyms

immunization, inoculation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
vaccination

Typically used in everyday conversation and general contexts to refer to the process of receiving a vaccine to protect against diseases.

  • She went to the clinic for her flu vaccination.
  • Vaccination rates are increasing in the community.
immunization

More commonly used in medical, scientific, or public health contexts to describe the process of becoming immune to a disease, often through vaccination.

  • Public health initiatives focus on immunization to prevent outbreaks.
  • The schedule for childhood immunizations is well-established.
inoculation

Often used in historical or formal contexts, or when referring to introducing a pathogen or vaccine into the body to stimulate immunity. It can sometimes imply a broader or more technical process.

  • Inoculation against smallpox was practiced in the 18th century.
  • The researchers are working on new methods of inoculation.

Examples of usage

  • The vaccination campaign aimed to immunize the population against the flu.
  • Children are required to have certain vaccinations before starting school.
Context #2 | Noun

medical

The injection of a killed or weakened infectious organism in order to prevent the disease.

Synonyms

shot, vaccine.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
vaccination

Use this term when referring to the overall process of getting a vaccine to prevent diseases. It's commonly used in formal and medical settings.

  • Vaccination is crucial for preventing the spread of contagious diseases.
  • The clinic is offering free vaccination for children this weekend.
vaccine

Use this word when talking about the actual substance that is injected to provide immunity against a disease. It is commonly used in both informal and formal contexts.

  • The COVID-19 vaccine has been distributed worldwide.
  • He studied the development of the polio vaccine in medical school.
shot

This term is more informal and is often used in everyday conversations to refer to an injection of a vaccine or medicine.

  • Did you get your flu shot yet?
  • She cried a little after getting her shot, but she's okay now.

Examples of usage

  • The vaccination schedule typically includes shots for measles, mumps, and rubella.
  • The doctor recommended getting a tetanus vaccination after the injury.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'vacca' which means cow, because the first vaccine used came from cowpox to help prevent smallpox.
  • In 1796, Edward Jenner developed the first successful vaccination, which laid the groundwork for modern immunology.
  • Vaccination practices date back to ancient China, where they used powdered smallpox scabs to immunize individuals.

Science

  • Vaccines work by training the immune system to recognize and fight specific pathogens, like viruses or bacteria.
  • When someone is vaccinated, their body is introduced to a harmless part of the germ, prompting an immune response without causing illness.
  • Herd immunity occurs when a high percentage of the population is vaccinated, protecting even those who cannot be vaccinated.

Cultural Impact

  • Public health campaigns around vaccination have significantly reduced illnesses like polio and measles in many parts of the world.
  • Social media has played a role in shaping public perception of vaccines, with both positive outreach and notable misinformation spreading rapidly.
  • Cultural attitudes toward vaccination can vary greatly across different regions and communities, influencing participation rates.

Pop Culture

  • Vaccination has been a central theme in various documentaries and films, highlighting its role in global health crises.
  • Fictional narratives often use pandemics, showcasing the importance of vaccination in preventing disasters in societies.
  • Vaccination slogans and campaigns often appear in music and art, reflecting different societal attitudes over time.

Global Health

  • The World Health Organization lists vaccination as one of the most successful public health interventions in history.
  • Global vaccination efforts have helped eradicate diseases such as smallpox and aim to eliminate polio and measles.
  • Access to vaccines remains a significant issue in low-income countries, necessitating ongoing public health initiatives.

Origin of 'vaccination'

The term 'vaccination' originated from the Latin word 'vaccinus', which means 'of or from cows'. It was first used in the late 18th century by Edward Jenner, who developed the smallpox vaccine. Vaccination has since become a crucial tool in preventing and controlling infectious diseases worldwide.


Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,671 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.