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Definition

noun, plural: vaccination

The administration of vaccine capable of evoking an immune response against a specific antigen thereby making the individual immune to it and protected from contracting the disease

Supplement

Edward Jenner first used vaccination as a method that prevented smallpox, i.e. by inoculating cowpox matter (vacca= cow, hence the term). Soon, vaccination became essential in boosting immunity against diphtheria, rubella, measles, polio, hepatitis A and B, and chickenpox, especially in young children. Recently, vaccines to protect the body from certain forms of cancers were made.

See also:

• immunization

Related term(s):

• revaccination
• vaccinate
• vaccine