What is the definition of immunization?

Immunization is fundamentally a means of protecting against disease through vaccination. This process involves administering a vaccine, which stimulates the body's immune system to recognize and fight specific pathogens, such as viruses or bacteria. By introducing a harmless component of the pathogen (or a weakened version of it) into the body, immunization prepares the immune system to respond effectively if exposed to the actual disease in the future.

This proactive measure is crucial for preventing disease outbreaks and can lead to community immunity, which protects those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons. Understanding this concept is vital for public health initiatives, as immunization programs have significantly reduced the incidence of many infectious diseases globally.

Other options describe processes like treatment and diagnosis but do not encompass the preventive aspect of immunization that is specifically tied to vaccination and its role in safeguarding individual and community health.