Immunisation Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/(ə)ˈmjuːnɪsɪˌzeɪʃn/

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

The process of becoming protected from a particular disease through the administration of a vaccine, serum, or other medicinal product.

Examples

Every child receives an immunisation schedule to protect them from common childhood diseases.
Getting immunised against certain diseases is crucial for public health.

Synonyms

Vaccination
Protection

Antonyms

Exposure
Susceptibility

Additional Information

Immunisation is a vital public health measure that has led to the control and near eradication of many infectious diseases. It involves the use of vaccines, which contain small, modified pieces of a disease-causing agent, to stimulate the body’s immune system to produce antibodies and cells that can fight future infections. Immunisation is generally a safe and effective way to prevent the spread of disease and protect individuals from serious health consequences.

Etymology

The word “Immunisation” comes from the Latin “immune,” meaning “exempt” or “protected,” and the verb “niscere,” meaning “to know.” The term was first used in the 18th century to describe the process of providing immunity to a disease.

Usage Notes

Immunisation is often used in healthcare and medical contexts, such as in patient records, treatment plans, and public health campaigns. It is also used in educational and informative materials to promote awareness and understanding of the importance of immunisation.

Cultural References

Immunisation has been featured in various cultural references, such as in books, films, and television shows. For example, in the popular TV show “Grey’s Anatomy,” the character Dr. Meredith Grey’s storyline revolves around her concerns about immunisation and vaccine safety.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

“Get immunised” is a common idiomatic expression used to encourage people to receive vaccinations.

Related Words or Phrases

Vaccine
Inoculation
Antibody

Collocations

Immunisation against diseases
Receiving an immunisation
Immunisation programs

Frequency of Use

Immunisation is a commonly used term in modern language, particularly in healthcare and medical contexts. According to Google Ngram, the frequency of use of the term “Immunisation” has increased significantly over the past few decades, reflecting the growing importance of immunisation as a public health measure.

Common Misspellings

Common misspellings of the word “Immunisation” include “immunize,” “immunisatin,” and “immunizatin.”