immunization
noun
im·mu·ni·za·tion
ˌi-myə-nə-ˈzā-shən 
also i-ˌmyü-nə-
plural immunizations
: the act of making someone or something immune or the state of being immune : the act or result of immunizing someone or something: such as
a
: the production of immunity in a living organism against a disease or pathogenic agent
The plasmids used for immunization have been altered to carry genes specifying one or more antigenic proteins normally made by a selected pathogen …—
David B. Weiner et al.
David B. Weiner et al.
also
: treatment (as by vaccination) for the purpose of making an organism immune to a disease or pathogenic agent : the administration of an immune-producing substance
Measles is the single most infectious common disease—one person with measles who blunders into a crowded room will give it to almost everyone. If there were no immunization, measles would be universal. —Wayne Biddle
Wayne Biddle Those benefits can include preventive care, such as annual physicals, immunizations, and well-baby visits. —Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports
b
: the providing of protection or exemption from something harmful or unwanted (such as legal action)
immunization from liability
The Interior Department is negotiating with other private landowners to extend similar immunization from prosecution to those who agree to avoid activities that might hurt the bird's chances of survival.—Ken Miller
Ken MillerExamples of immunization in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Planned federal rollbacks on pandemic-era health care funding would cut nearly $41 million for childhood immunizations and vaccines in Colorado, per federal government data.
—Alayna Alvarez, Axios, 9 Apr. 2025
One of the simplest ways to find out if you’re protected from measles is to review your immunization records.
—Matt Leclercq, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2025
During that time, the New York Times reported that the U.S. would curtail much of its financial support for GAVI, a global vaccine fund on which Sierra Leone relies for routine immunizations and support in battling an outbreak of mpox.
—Mara Kardas-Nelson, The Dial, 8 Apr. 2025
In Dallas, more than 50 immunization clinics had to be canceled after the cuts, according to Dr. Philip Huang, director of the Dallas County Health and Human Services Department.
—Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for immunization
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Alayna Alvarez, Axios, 9 Apr. 2025
One of the simplest ways to find out if you’re protected from measles is to review your immunization records.
—Matt Leclercq, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2025
During that time, the New York Times reported that the U.S. would curtail much of its financial support for GAVI, a global vaccine fund on which Sierra Leone relies for routine immunizations and support in battling an outbreak of mpox.
—Mara Kardas-Nelson, The Dial, 8 Apr. 2025
In Dallas, more than 50 immunization clinics had to be canceled after the cuts, according to Dr. Philip Huang, director of the Dallas County Health and Human Services Department.
—Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for immunization
Cite this Entry
“Immunization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/immunization. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
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immunization
noun
im·mu·ni·za·tion
variants
also British immunisation
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