What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
vaccine
Example
The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone over six months of age. [vaccine: noun]
Example
She received a vaccine for COVID-19 to protect herself from the virus. [vaccine: noun]
shot
Example
I got a flu shot at the pharmacy yesterday. [shot: noun]
Example
The doctor will give you a shot to numb the area before the procedure. [shot: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shot is more commonly used than vaccine in everyday language. Shot is a versatile term that can refer to any injection of medication or substance, while vaccine is a more specific term used to describe a substance that stimulates the immune system to produce immunity to a particular disease.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between vaccine and shot?
Both vaccine and shot can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, vaccine may be more commonly used in formal settings due to its association with medical terminology and scientific research.
