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Vaccine Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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vaccine

[ˈvæksiːn ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

medical

A substance used to stimulate the production of antibodies and provide immunity against one or several diseases. Vaccines are often made from weakened or killed forms of the microbe that causes the disease.

Synonyms

immunization, inoculation, shot.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
vaccine

Commonly used in scientific, medical, and general contexts to refer to the substance used to prevent a specific disease.

  • The new vaccine for influenza will be available next month.
  • Many children get vaccines to protect against diseases like measles and polio.
inoculation

Often used in historical contexts or when discussing the act of introducing a vaccine into the body to produce immunity. It is less common in everyday usage.

  • Inoculation against smallpox was a significant advancement in medical history.
  • Travelers to tropical regions should get their inoculations before departure.
immunization

Typically used in the context of public health and preventive medicine to describe the process of becoming immune to a disease, typically through vaccination.

  • Immunization programs have drastically reduced the incidence of many infectious diseases.
  • Every child should receive their immunizations on schedule.
shot

A colloquial term for a dose of a vaccine. Commonly used in everyday conversation and less formal contexts.

  • I need to get my flu shot this week.
  • Did you take your COVID-19 shot yet?

Examples of usage

  • Children are recommended to receive a series of vaccines to protect them from common diseases.
  • The flu vaccine is updated every year to match the strains of the virus that are predicted to be most common.
  • Vaccines have played a crucial role in reducing the incidence of many deadly diseases.
  • Vaccine hesitancy can lead to lower vaccination rates and increased risk of outbreaks.
  • Vaccines have saved countless lives and are considered one of the most effective public health interventions.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The concept of vaccination began in 1796 when Edward Jenner used cowpox to protect against smallpox.
  • The word 'vaccine' comes from the Latin 'vacca,' meaning cow, because of Jenner's use of cowpox.
  • In the early 1800s, vaccination campaigns started in Europe, promoting the practice widely.

Science

  • Vaccines work by mimicking a disease, teaching the immune system to recognize and battle the real germ.
  • Immunization through vaccines has led to the eradication of smallpox and a significant decline in diseases like polio and measles.
  • Vaccines can be made from weakened germs, inactivated germs, or pieces of germs like proteins or sugars.

Pop Culture

  • The COVID-19 pandemic brought vaccines into the spotlight as crucial tools for public health and safety.
  • Movies and TV shows have depicted vaccines as vital plot elements, emphasizing their role in protecting society.
  • Famous personalities have used their platforms to advocate for vaccines, linking them to global health initiatives.

Psychology

  • Public perception of vaccines is influenced by misinformation, leading to stronger fears and hesitancy.
  • Support for vaccines can be bolstered through community engagement and education on their benefits.
  • The psychological principles of trust and misinformation can dramatically affect vaccination rates in populations.

Literature

  • Numerous scientific articles have discussed the effectiveness and history of vaccines in combating infectious diseases.
  • Literary works and essays advocate for the societal benefits of vaccination, emphasizing its role in public health.
  • Fictional writings sometimes portray the implications of vaccine scarcity in epidemic scenarios, highlighting societal dependencies on them.

Origin of 'vaccine'

The term 'vaccine' originated from the Latin word 'vacca' meaning cow. The history of vaccines dates back to the late 18th century when Edward Jenner developed the smallpox vaccine. Since then, vaccines have been instrumental in controlling and eradicating many infectious diseases.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,190 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.