Synonyms for

Vaccine

Verb / ˌvæˈksi:n / Another word for vaccine — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

A vaccine is a substance that is used to protect people or animals from a specific disease. It contains a small amount of a weakened or dead virus or bacteria which helps the body build immunity against the disease.

Synonyms & similar words

vaccinum immunization inoculation shot jab vaccination preventive serum antitoxin virus bacteria immunity dose medicine preventative elixir safeguard medicine cure healing antibody

Synonyms by register

Formal

inoculation immunization prophylactic

Informal

shot jab dope

Antonyms

disease infection illness sickness malady contagion pathogen

Common collocations

  • booster vaccine
  • flu vaccine
  • childhood vaccine
  • vaccine development
  • vaccine efficacy
  • vaccine trial
  • vaccine hesitancy

Word family

noun vaccine
verb vaccinate
adjective vaccinal
adverb vaccinally

Usage note

While 'shot' and 'jab' are common informal terms, 'vaccine' is the precise medical term. Avoid using 'vaccine' to refer to the act of administration, which is 'vaccination'.

Example sentences

  1. I need to get a vaccine for my upcoming trip to Africa.
  2. The vaccine will help protect me from getting sick.
  3. Doctors recommend that children get vaccinated against certain diseases.
  4. The flu vaccine is available at most pharmacies.
  5. I got a vaccine for chickenpox when I was younger.

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