What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
immunization
Example
The doctor recommended immunization against the flu. [immunization: noun]
Example
The child received immunization shots before starting school. [immunization: adjective]
vaccination
Example
The nurse gave me a vaccination for measles. [vaccination: noun]
Example
The government launched a vaccination campaign to prevent the spread of COVID-19. [vaccination: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Vaccination is more commonly used than immunization in medical contexts and everyday language. However, immunization is often used in public health and policy discussions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between immunization and vaccination?
Both immunization and vaccination are formal terms used in medical and public health contexts. However, vaccination may have a more clinical or scientific connotation, while immunization can have a more general or public health connotation.