Immunisation

Immunisation refers to the process where the body induces immunity to a disease as a result of a vaccine.

A vaccine is a product made from killed or live, weakened strains of viruses or bacteria.

Vaccination refers to the act of giving a vaccine to a person. When a vaccine is given it triggers an immune response in your body. This protects you if you come into contact with strains of that disease again in the natural environment.

Monoclonal antibodies are specially designed proteins that help the body's immune system fight diseases. Similar to vaccination, when immunisations with monoclonal antibodies are given, it triggers an immune response in the body to provide protection from a disease.

The World Health Organization considers immunisation to be the most effective medical intervention we have to prevent deaths and reduce disease in our communities.