Immunization schedule
Immunization Schedule
The Immunization Schedule (pronunciation: /ɪˌmjuːnɪˈzeɪʃən ˈʃɛdjuːl/) is a systematic timetable that recommends the age at which particular vaccines should ideally be administered to healthy individuals in order to prevent specific diseases.
Etymology
The term "Immunization" is derived from the Latin word "immunis", meaning "exempt" or "protected", and the term "Schedule" comes from the Old French "cedule", meaning "a slip of paper". Together, they refer to a planned sequence of vaccinations intended to protect individuals from infectious diseases.
Related Terms
- Vaccine: A biological preparation that provides active acquired immunity to a particular infectious disease.
- Infectious Disease: Diseases caused by organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites.
- Immunity: The capability of the body to resist harmful microorganisms or viruses from entering it.
- Vaccination: The administration of a vaccine to help the immune system develop protection from a disease.
Components of an Immunization Schedule
An Immunization Schedule typically includes the following components:
- Type of Vaccine: This refers to the specific vaccine that is to be administered. Vaccines can be live-attenuated, inactivated, subunit, or conjugate, among others.
- Timing of Doses: This refers to the age at which each dose of the vaccine should ideally be administered. The timing can vary depending on the vaccine and the specific disease it is designed to prevent.
- Number of Doses: This refers to the total number of doses of the vaccine that should be administered over a certain period of time.
- Booster Shots: These are additional doses of a vaccine that are given after the initial series to "boost" the immune response.
Importance of Immunization Schedule
Adhering to the Immunization Schedule is crucial for ensuring optimal protection against infectious diseases. Delaying or missing vaccinations can leave individuals, especially children, at risk of serious illnesses.
See Also
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