What is the Difference Between Immunisation and Vaccination?

In today's world, vaccination has become a buzzword due to its effectiveness in preventing various diseases. However, with the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the terms immunisation and vaccination have been used interchangeably, leaving many needing clarification about the difference between the two. Are they the same thing, or is there a significant difference?

Whether you're a healthcare professional or a concerned citizen, read on to discover the difference between immunisation and vaccination and the benefits of vaccination and immunisation.

Difference Between Immunisation and Vaccination

Immunisation and vaccination are two commonly used terms in the medical field, especially in disease prevention. Even though these words are frequently used in the same term, their meanings are slightly different. To better understand the distinctions, here are the main differences between immunisation and vaccination:

Immunisation is a broader term that refers to any method of acquiring immunity. At the same time, vaccination is a specific method of immunisation that involves the administration of a vaccine to produce immunity against a particular disease.

Benefits of Immunisation and Vaccination

The advantages of immunisation and vaccination are numerous and well-established. Here is the list:

• Protection from Diseases and Epidemics: Vaccination provides lifelong protection against a range of infectious diseases, unlike some vaccines that require booster shots. Immunisation can help prevent the spread of infectious diseases and decrease the likelihood of epidemics.
• Strengthens Immunity: It can create natural immunity by exposing individuals to a weakened or dead form of a disease, allowing the body to build immunity.
• Reduces Antibiotic Resistance: Immunisation reduces the need for antibiotics, which can lead to antibiotic resistance.
• Improves Herd Immunity: Vaccines can also help to protect the population by creating “herd immunity”. This is when a large portion of the population is vaccinated, which provides indirect protection to those who cannot be vaccinated.
• Protects Vulnerable Population: Vaccines protect vulnerable populations, including newborn babies, pregnant women or other people with weakened immune systems. Vaccination has been shown to save millions of lives globally and is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of disease.
• Effective than Oral Medication: It is comparatively more efficient than oral medicines. It works faster and is targeted towards the root cause or pathogen.
  

In the long run, immunisation and vaccination can be cost-effective by reducing medical costs and lost productivity caused by illness.

To Sum Up

Despite the difference between immunisation and vaccination, they both have their unique features and play a crucial role in preventing the spread of infectious diseases and protecting public health.

With the arrival of COVID-19, it has become essential to prioritise vaccination efforts and ensure equitable access to vaccines to build stronger and more resilient healthcare systems and communities.

Apart from vaccinations, you can also protect your family from medical emergencies by buying a medical insurance plan. Platforms like Niva Bupa can help you find the best-suited health insurance. They provide various benefits, such as in-patient hospitalisation, domiciliary hospitalisation, daycare treatments, and hassle-free settlements.