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
The standard immunization regimen includes two doses to ensure full protection.
—Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 8 Feb. 2025
Vaccine hesitancy and skepticism pushed by HHS Secretary nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has already had deadly consequences around the world, and have contributed to falling childhood immunization and routine vaccination rates here in the U.S.
—Dr. Ashwin Vasan, TIME, 29 Jan. 2025
For some viruses and bacteria to break through, the country’s immunization rates may need to slip quite a bit.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 28 Jan. 2025
In low- and middle-income countries, each dollar spent on immunization saves $52, highlighting the economic efficiency of vaccination programs.
—A.j. Russo, Baltimore Sun, 13 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for immunization 
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Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 8 Feb. 2025
Vaccine hesitancy and skepticism pushed by HHS Secretary nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has already had deadly consequences around the world, and have contributed to falling childhood immunization and routine vaccination rates here in the U.S.
—Dr. Ashwin Vasan, TIME, 29 Jan. 2025
For some viruses and bacteria to break through, the country’s immunization rates may need to slip quite a bit.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 28 Jan. 2025
In low- and middle-income countries, each dollar spent on immunization saves $52, highlighting the economic efficiency of vaccination programs.
—A.j. Russo, Baltimore Sun, 13 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for immunization
Dictionary Entries Near immunization
Cite this Entry
“Immunization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/immunization. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
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immunization
noun
im·mu·ni·za·tion
variants
also British immunisation
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