Dictionary

immunization, mumps See MMR.

immunization, measles See MMR.

immunization, infectious hepatitis See hepatitis A immunization.

immunization, HIB See Haemophilus influenzae type B immunization.

immunization, H. flu See Haemophilus influenzae type B immunization.

immunization, German measles See MMR.

immunization, flu See influenza vaccine.

immunization, children’s See children’s immunizations.

immunization A vaccination that works by stimulating the immune system of the body to fight disease. A healthy immune system is able to recognize invading bacteria and viruses, and it produces antibodies to destroy or disable them. Immunizations prepare the immune system to ward off a disease. To immunize against viral diseases, the virus used…

immunity The condition of being immune. Immunity can be innate—for example, humans are innately immune to canine distemper—or conferred by a previous infection or immunization.

immune system A complex system that is responsible for distinguishing a person from everything foreign to him or her and for protecting his or her body against infections and foreign substances.

immune response Any reaction by the immune system. For example, poison ivy can cause an immune response in the skin characterized by inflammation with tiny blisters, and itching. Also, a flu shot is designed to produce an immune response by stimulating the production of antibodies against the flu virus.