Vaccinate

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Vaccinate

Vaccinate (pronunciation: /ˈvæksɪneɪt/) is a term derived from the Latin word vaccinus, meaning "of or from the cow", due to the early practice of using cowpox to immunize against smallpox.

Definition

To vaccinate is to administer a vaccine to (a person or animal) in order to produce immunity against a specific disease.

Usage

The term is commonly used in the field of medicine and public health, particularly in discussions related to immunization programs and infectious disease prevention.

Related Terms

  • Vaccine: A biological preparation that provides active acquired immunity to a particular infectious disease.
  • Immunization: The process by which an individual's immune system becomes fortified against an agent.
  • Inoculation: The placement of something that will grow or reproduce, and is most commonly used in respect of the introduction of a serum, vaccine, or antigenic substance into the body of a human or animal.
  • Antigen: A toxin or other foreign substance which induces an immune response in the body, especially the production of antibodies.
  • Antibody: A blood protein produced in response to and counteracting a specific antigen.

Etymology

The term "vaccinate" originates from the Latin vaccinus, meaning "of or from the cow". This is a reference to the historical practice of using cowpox material to immunize against smallpox, a method developed by English physician Edward Jenner in the late 18th century.

See Also

External links

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