vaccine

[vak-seen]

vaccine Definition

a substance used to stimulate the production of antibodies and provide immunity against one or several diseases, prepared from the causative agent of a disease, its products, or a synthetic substitute, treated to act as an antigen without inducing the disease.

Using vaccine: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "vaccine" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone over six months of age.

  • Example

    The measles vaccine has been very effective in preventing outbreaks.

  • Example

    The COVID-19 vaccine was developed in record time.

  • Example

    The polio vaccine was one of the most important medical breakthroughs of the 20th century.

vaccine Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for vaccine

Phrases with vaccine

  • the reluctance or refusal to be vaccinated or to have one's children vaccinated, despite the availability of vaccines

    Example

    Vaccine hesitancy is a growing concern among public health officials.

  • an additional dose of a vaccine given after an earlier dose, to increase or renew immunity

    Example

    Some vaccines require booster shots to maintain immunity over time.

  • a vaccine made from live, weakened viruses or bacteria that can still replicate and cause an immune response, but not the disease itself

    Example

    The oral polio vaccine is a live vaccine that has been very effective in eradicating the disease.

Origins of vaccine

from Latin 'vacca' meaning 'cow', referring to the original use of cowpox virus in the smallpox vaccine

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Summary: vaccine in Brief

A 'vaccine' [vak-seen] is a substance that stimulates the production of antibodies and provides immunity against one or several diseases. It is made from the causative agent of a disease, its products, or a synthetic substitute, treated to act as an antigen without inducing the disease. Examples include the flu vaccine, the measles vaccine, and the COVID-19 vaccine. 'Vaccine' extends into phrases like 'vaccine hesitancy,' denoting reluctance or refusal to be vaccinated, and 'booster vaccine,' which renews immunity.

How do native speakers use this expression?