Pronunciation: [vaksˈiːn] (IPA) 
The word "vaccine" is spelled with the letter "c" despite its pronunciation as if it has a "k" sound. This is due to its origin- the Latin word "vacca" meaning "cow". The first vaccine ever developed was for smallpox and was created using cowpox virus. Thus, the root of the word, "vacca", is the source of its spelling. The IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) transcription of "vaccine" is /vækˈsiːn/.
A vaccine is a biological substance or preparation that is designed to stimulate the immune system, providing active acquired immunity against a particular disease. It typically contains weakened or killed forms of the disease-causing microorganisms (such as bacteria or viruses), their toxins, or parts of these microorganisms that trigger an immune response in the body. The purpose of a vaccine is to prevent or reduce the severity of infectious diseases by stimulating the production of antibodies or activating other immune system components that recognize and destroy specific pathogens.
Vaccines work by introducing antigens (foreign substances that elicit an immune response) into the body, triggering the immune system to produce a defense mechanism against these pathogens. Once the immune system has been primed by a vaccine, it is better prepared to recognize and combat the real infectious agents in case of exposure. Vaccines can be administered through various routes, including injection, oral ingestion, or nasal spray, and are usually given before exposure to a specific disease.
Vaccination is considered a crucial public health intervention, as it has successfully prevented the spread of numerous diseases that were once widespread and potentially fatal. Immunization campaigns have led to the eradication or substantial reduction of numerous ailments, ranging from childhood infections like polio, measles, and mumps to sexually transmitted infections such as human papillomavirus (HPV). Vaccines not only protect individuals who receive them but also contribute to overall community immunity, reducing the risk of outbreaks and safeguarding vulnerable populations, such as newborns, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.
1. Relating to vaccina in the cow or man. 2. The virus of cowpox, used by inoculation to confer immunity against smallpox; what is now employed is serum from the vesicles of the disease in a heifer, but formerly the scab of the dried pustule, taken from the animal or from man, was used. 3. The modified and attenuated virus of any disease, incapable of producing a severe infection, but affording protection, when inoculated, against the action of the unmodified virus. 4. An emulsion of dead cultures of specific bacteria in saline solution, employed hypodermically in opsonic therapy.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Pert. to or derived from cows, as vaccine matter.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "vaccine" originated from the Latin word "vaccīnus", which means "from cows" or "pertaining to cows". This term refers to the early method of vaccination that involved using cowpox virus to provide immunity against smallpox. The Latin word "vaccīnus" is derived from "vacca", meaning "cow". Edward Jenner, an English physician, is credited with developing the first successful smallpox vaccine in the late 18th century, which is why the term "vaccine" is associated with his work.
