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Vaccination: meaning, definitions and examples

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vaccination

 

[ˌvæk.sɪˈneɪ.ʃən ]

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "vaccination" in other languages:

🇵🇹 vacinação

🇮🇳 टीकाकरण

🇩🇪 Impfung

🇮🇩 vaksinasi

🇺🇦 вакцинація

🇵🇱 szczepienie

🇯🇵 予防接種

🇫🇷 vaccination

🇪🇸 vacunación

🇹🇷 aşılama

🇰🇷 예방 접종

🇸🇦 تطعيم

🇨🇿 očkování

🇸🇰 očkovanie

🇨🇳 疫苗接种

🇸🇮 cepljenje

🇮🇸 bólusetning

🇰🇿 вакцинация

🇬🇪 ვაქცინაცია

🇦🇿 vaksinasiya

🇲🇽 vacunación

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.