Booster shots
Booster Shots
Booster shots (pronunciation: /ˈbuːstər ʃɒts/) are additional doses of a vaccine that are given to "boost" the immune response. The term is derived from the English words "boost," meaning to help or encourage, and "shot," a colloquial term for an injection.
Etymology
The term "booster shot" is a combination of the words "boost" and "shot". The word "boost" comes from the early 19th century English, meaning 'to lift or raise by pushing from behind'. The word "shot" in this context is used to refer to an injection, and it comes from the Old English 'sceotan', meaning 'to shoot'.
Function
Booster shots are used to increase the effectiveness of immunization by extending the duration of immunity or to increase the level of immune response in a vaccinated individual. They are often given several months to years after the initial vaccination series.
Related Terms
- Vaccine: A biological preparation that provides active acquired immunity to a particular infectious disease.
- Immunization: The process by which an individual's immune system becomes fortified against an agent.
- Vaccination: The administration of a vaccine to help the immune system develop protection from a disease.
Usage in Medicine
In medicine, booster shots are commonly used in vaccination schedules for diseases such as tetanus, diphtheria, and polio. More recently, booster shots have been recommended for certain individuals to enhance protection against COVID-19.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Booster shots
- Wikipedia's article - Booster shots
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