The correct spelling of the word "immunizes" is commonly mispronounced and misspelled as "immunises" in British English. The reason for this is the presence of the letter "z" in the word, which requires the American English pronunciation of "imm-yoo-nahyz" and IPA phonetic transcription of /ɪˈmjuː.naɪz/. In contrast, the British English spelling "immunises" requires the British English pronunciation of "imm-yoo-nahyz-iz" and IPA phonetic transcription of /ɪˈmjuː.naɪz.ɪz/. Proper pronunciation is important for clear communication, so remember to use the correct spelling and pronunciation for your audience!
The term "immunizes" refers to the act of providing immunity or protection against diseases or infections. It is derived from the noun "immunity," which signifies the body's ability to resist and guard against harmful pathogens.
To immunize is to administer a vaccine or introduce a weakened or killed form of a pathogen into a person's body, thereby stimulating their immune system to recognize and remember the harmful antigens associated with that pathogen. This process prepares the body to provide a strong defense and inhibits the growth and spread of the actual disease-causing pathogen.
Immunization is a crucial preventive measure that aids in safeguarding individuals and communities from infectious diseases. By immunizing against common illnesses such as measles, mumps, rubella, polio, or influenza, individuals can develop immunity, which reduces their chances of contracting and spreading these diseases.
The immunization process typically involves the introduction of a vaccine through various methods like injections, oral administration, or nasal sprays. This stimulates the body's immune response, triggering the production of antibodies and memory cells. These immune responses work collaboratively, ensuring swift recognition and attack on the actual disease-causing agents if exposed, thus effectively protecting the person from becoming infected.
Immunization plays a vital role in public health by preventing the spread of communicable diseases, reducing morbidity and mortality rates, and contributing to the overall improvement of well-being within a population. It is often administered during childhood and continues throughout adulthood to enhance individuals' protections against various diseases.
The word "immunizes" is derived from the term "immune", which originated from the Latin word "immūnis", meaning "exempt or protected". The suffix "-ize" in English is used to form verbs that often mean "to cause to become", "to subject to", or "to treat in a certain way". Hence, "immunizes" means "to make immune" or "to provide with immunity" as a result of immunization.