Immunization

immunization /im·mu·ni·za·tion/ (im?u-ni-za´shun) the process of rendering a subject immune, or of becoming immune.

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active immunization  stimulation with a specific antigen to induce an immune response.

passive immunization  the conferral of specific immune reactivity on previously nonimmune individuals by administration of sensitized lymphoid cells or serum from immune individuals.

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Immunization

A process or procedure that protects the body against an infectious disease. A vaccination is a type of immunization.

Mentioned in: Vaginal Pain

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immunization,

n defense against contagious illnesses acquired either through contact with the contagion or a less virulent form of it as through vaccination. See also immunotherapy and vaccinosis.

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immunization (vaccination) (im´ū-nzā´shn),

n.pl 1. a process by which resistance to an infectious disease is induced or augmented.
2. a fundamental element of preventative health care for dental workers, who should be fully immunized against influenza, hepatitis B, and all childhood diseases where a vaccine is available. See also immunity, active. HIV and hepatitis C vaccines are not available.

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immunization

the process of rendering a subject immune, or of becoming immune. See also vaccination.

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active immunization

stimulation with a specific antigen to promote an immune response. In the context of infectious diseases, the antigenic substances may include: (1) inactivated bacteria, as in botulism immunization; (2) inactivated viruses, as in the canine parvovirus vaccination; (3) live attenuated viruses, e.g. rabies virus, and (4) toxoids, chemically treated toxins produced by bacteria, as in immunization against tetanus and pasteurellosis. Any of a vast number of foreign substances may induce an active immune response.

Since active immunization induces the body to produce its own antibodies and specifically reactive cells and to go on producing them, protection against disease will last several years, in some cases for life.

antihormone immunization

immunization against hormones, e.g. against androstenedione for the stimulation of ovulation in ewes, is now a commercial reality and promises to be a significant management tool in intensive animal production. See also immunological contraception.

deliberate immunization

the administration of an immunogen, usually by injection but sometimes orally or by inhalation, for the purpose of producing immunity.

natural immunization

stimulation of the immune system through exposure to antigens that have not been deliberately administered.

passive immunization

transient immunization produced by the introduction into the system of pre-formed antibody or specifically reactive lymphoid cells. The animal immunized is protected only as long as these antibodies or cells remain in the blood and are active—usually from 4 to 6 weeks. The immunity may be natural, as in the transfer of maternal antibody to offspring, or artificial, passive immunity following inoculation of antibodies or immune cells.