To administer a second or subsequent dose of a vaccine or immunizing agent to a person or animal, typically to boost or maintain the immune response developed from an earlier vaccination. This process is often necessary when the initial immunity has waned, as some vaccines' protection diminishes over time, or due to the emergence of new variants of a disease. Reimmunization aims to stimulate the immune system to produce a higher level of antibodies or memory cells, providing enhanced and prolonged protection against the targeted pathogen. The frequency and timing of reimmunization depend on the specific vaccine, the individual's health status, and the prevalence of the disease.
Reimmunize meaning with examples
- After a measles outbreak in the school district, health officials recommended that all unvaccinated students and those who hadn't had a recent measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine be reimmunized. This aimed to quickly build herd immunity and stop the spread of the disease among vulnerable populations. The program greatly improved immunization rates and decreased disease rates by preventing the disease.
- Travelers planning a trip to regions with a high risk of yellow fever may need to be reimmunized if their previous vaccination was administered over a decade ago, or if they have a health condition. The process involved obtaining a yellow fever card. The additional dose ensures continued protection. The reimmunization guarantees their safety during travel to areas where the disease is endemic.
- Researchers are studying whether booster shots, a form of reimmunization, are effective at extending the immunity against specific strains of influenza. Clinical trials are examining the optimal interval between initial vaccination and reimmunization. The studies aim to provide insights into the most appropriate vaccination schedules to offer better protection against flu viruses.
- Following a widespread pertussis outbreak, healthcare providers emphasized the importance of reimmunizing adolescents and adults. The purpose was to help them avoid whooping cough. The action addressed waning immunity and prevented them from becoming disease carriers that might spread it to those who are more vulnerable, like infants.