(im‵yŭ-nĭ-zā'shŏn )

[L. immunitas, exemption, immunity]

The protection of individuals or groups from specific diseases by vaccination or the injection of immune globulins.

SEE: vaccination; vaccine for table.

active i.The administration of a vaccine to prevent disease.

catch-up i.Catch-up vaccination.

chemoprophylaxis and sporozoite i.Immunization against malaria that relies on exposure to actively infected mosquitoes while the patient is receiving drugs that prevent the disease.

maternal i.The administration of vaccines to pregnant women before the birth of the child, e.g., to prevent diseases such as influenza, tetanus, or Group B streptococcus.

passive i.The administration of disease-specific antibodies to prevent an illness, e.g., the giving of immunoglobulin (IG) to a person exposed to a pathogen such as rabies, tetanus, or varicella.