Vaccine vs Immunization: What Are the Differences?

Did you know that more than 13 million children around the globe hadn’t received any vaccines by 2018? 

Since COVID, many people know the importance of vaccines and want to learn more about them.

If you want to learn how people can defend their immune systems from disease, there are a few terms to look at. 

Continue reading to learn the differences between a vaccine vs immunization so you can make the right choices for your health! 

Vaccine vs Immunization Definitions

If you’re wondering what a vaccine is, you should understand that it’s a component of immunization.

For someone to experience immunization, their body must get a specific dose of a vaccine. Many diseases need several shots to be effective, and they are often spread out over time. This means that if you’ve only received one COVID shot, for example, you aren’t immune to the illness. 

They Aren’t the Same

A lot of people make the mistake of interchanging the terms, immunized and vaccinated.  

Vaccinations involve a specific action, like getting a shot or taking medicine. The vaccines activate the immune system and protect it against diseases and infections. Immunization addresses the entire process of getting the vaccine and becoming immune to a condition. 

You only become immunized when you’re resistant to an infectious disease. Understanding these differences will prevent you from mistakenly interchanging the terms again. 

What Does Getting a Vaccine Involve?

Getting vaccinated typically involves a shot that you recieve in the upper arm. 

Depending on your age and exposure to conditions, you can get vaccines by making an appointment with your healthcare provider. You can make an appointment at santiamhospital.org or learn more. 

Your doctor or a nurse will clean the area the needle will enter and give your body its first exposure to the bacteria. 

Since your body won’t have an initial defense system in place, you may experience minor side effects. Side effects often go away quickly and are worth the discomfort once you’re fully immunized. 

Looking at the Immunization Process 

Learning about what immunization is can help you understand the process your body will go through. 

As you get vaccines and take steps toward immunization, you will expose yourself to disease. Certain pathogens and antibodies interact with the immune system once fully vaccinated. The exposure will help your immune system defend itself against something it’s already been exposed to.

Although it can seem counter-intuitive to expose your body to foreign bacteria, your immune system can handle it in small amounts. 

Better Understand Your Care 

Learning about vaccine vs immunization differences can help you better understand your health. 

Since you were a child, you’ve likely received vaccines to prevent you from getting an illness or condition. This vaccine and immunization guide can help you understand which process you’re dealing with. You can then research your health treatment options.

If you want to build immunity and defend your body against foreign bacteria, vaccines are the best choice. Don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor about immunization tips and what to expect from each one. 

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