vaccination

noun

vac·​ci·​na·​tion ˌvak-sə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: the act of vaccinating

2

: the scar left by vaccinating

Examples of vaccination in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Short- and long-term vaccination rates for seasonal influenza and the pneumococcal vaccines were also added in the quality metrics. —Lauren Giella, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025

Older adults may require a higher dose or adjuvants (an ingredient that can prompt a stronger immune response) so that the immune system responds better to vaccination. —Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Flow Space, 30 Sep. 2025

Annual influenza vaccination begins at 6 months, with two doses recommended for children receiving it for the first time. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025

Not to mention the potential benefits of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy after childbirth. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 26 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

earlier, "inoculation with fluid from cowpox pustules," from vaccine "of cowpox" (in the phrases vaccine matter, vaccine virus) + -ation — more at vaccine

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing vaccination

• anti-vaccination

Rhymes for vaccination

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

vaccination

noun

vac·​ci·​na·​tion ˌvak-sə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: the act of vaccinating

2

: the scar left by vaccinating

Medical Definition

vaccination

noun

vac·​ci·​na·​tion ˌvak-sə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: the introduction into humans or domestic animals of microorganisms that have previously been treated to make them harmless for the purpose of inducing the development of immunity

oral vaccination

vaccination against smallpox

vaccination for whooping cough

2

: the scar left by vaccinating