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• Immunization Terms

Immunization Related Terms

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• Immune Globulin

A protein found in the blood that fights infection. Also known as gamma globulin.



• Immune System

The complex system in the body responsible for fighting disease. Its primary function is to identify foreign substances in the body (bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites) and develop a defense against them. This defense is known as the immune response. It involves production of protein molecules called antibodies to eliminate foreign organisms that invade the body.



• Immunity

Protection against a disease. There are two types of immunity, passive and active. Immunity is indicated by the presence of antibodies in the blood and can usually be determined with a laboratory test. See active and passive immunity.



• Immunization

The process by which a person or animal becomes protected against a disease. This term is often used interchangeably with vaccination or inoculation.



• Immunosupression

When the immune system is unable to protect the body from disease. This condition can be caused by disease (like HIV infection or cancer) or by certain drugs (like those used in chemotherapy). Individuals whose immune systems are compromised should not receive live, attenuated vaccines.



• Inactive Vaccine

A vaccine made from viruses and bacteria that have been killed through physical or chemical processes. These killed organisms cannot cause disease.



• Inapparent Infection

The presence of infection without symptoms. Also known as subclinical or asymptomatic infection.



• Incidence

The number of new disease cases reported in a population over a certain period of time.



• Incubation Period

The time from contact with infectious agents (bacteria or viruses) to onset of disease.



• Infectious

Capable of spreading disease. Also known as communicable.



• Infectious Agents

Organisms capable of spreading disease (e.g. bacteria or viruses).



• Inflammation

Redness, swelling, heat and pain resulting from injury to tissue (parts of the body underneath the skin). Also known as swelling.



• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

A general term for any disease characterized by inflammation of the bowel. Examples include colitis and Crohn's disease. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, loss of appetite and weight loss.



• Influenza

A highly contagious viral infection characterized by sudden onset of fever, severe aches ad pains, and inflammation of the mucous membrane.



• Investigational Vaccine

A vaccine that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in clinical trials on humans. However, investigational vaccines are still in the testing and evaluation phase and are not licensed for use in the general public.