The process of administering a vaccine to stimulate an immune response that helps protect against a specific infection or disease.
Vaccination trains the immune system to recognize and respond to a specific infectious agent or part of it without requiring the person to experience the disease itself. Depending on the vaccine and infection, vaccination can reduce the risk of infection, severe disease, complications, or transmission.
Protection varies between vaccines and may decrease over time, which is why some vaccines require additional doses or boosters.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
- Immunization: the process of becoming protected against a disease, whether through vaccination or, in some circumstances, through naturally acquired immunity.
- Vaccine: the biological preparation administered during vaccination; vaccination is the act or process of administering it.
SEE ALSO
