Skip directly to site content Skip directly to search


Español  Other Languages


Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC twenty four seven. Saving Lives, Protecting People
 Search
		×
			Vaccines site
			Vaccines site
				All CDC
				Submit
			For a full list of topics:A-Z Index
			Advanced Search
		Advanced Search


Vaccines & Immunizations


Section Navigation
			
			CDC Home








Immunization: The Basics										Related Pages
										Understanding mRNA COVID-19 VaccinesmRNA vaccines are a new type of vaccine to protect against infectious diseases. Learn about how COVID-19 mRNA vaccines work.Definition of TermsRelated PagesSee the Vaccine and Immunization Glossary of Terms**Immunity:** Protection from an infectious disease. If you are immune to a disease, you can be exposed to it without becoming infected.
**Vaccine:** A preparation that is used to stimulate the body’s immune response against diseases. Vaccines are usually administered through needle injections, but some can be administered by mouth or sprayed into the nose.
**Vaccination:** The act of introducing a vaccine into the body to produce protection from a specific disease.
**Immunization:** A process by which a person becomes protected against a disease through vaccination. This term is often used interchangeably with vaccination or inoculation.
							
					
							Last Reviewed:  September 1, 2021						Source: 	National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
					Facebook
        Twitter
        LinkedIn
        Syndicate homeVaccines and Immunizations Home
For Parents
For Adults
For Pregnant Women
For Healthcare Professionals
COVID-19 Vaccinationplus icon
Product Info by US Vaccineplus icon
Janssen/J&J Vaccine
Clinical Careplus icon
COVID-19 Vaccines
Managing Anaphylaxis
Myocarditis and Pericarditis Considerations
Lab Tests After Severe Allergic Reaction
Provider Requirements and Support
Vaccine Recipient Educationplus icon
How to talk to your patients about COVID-19 vaccination
Health Departments
Planning & Partnerships
COVID-19 Vaccine Data Systems
Vaccinate with Confidence
For Immunization Managers
Basics and Common Questionsplus icon
Immunization: The Basics
What’s in Vaccines
Immunity Types
Vaccines and Preventable Diseases
How Vaccines are Developed and Approved for Use
Content Syndication
Communication Resources
News and Media Resourcesplus icon
News
Newsletters
Events


About CDC
					Contact Us
					800-232-4636
 Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Youtube Pinterest Snapchat
 CONTACT CDC
				Contact Us
							Call 800-232-4636
							Email Us
			ABOUT CDC
				About CDC
							Jobs
							Funding
			POLICIES
				Accessibility
							External Links
							Privacy
							Policies
							No Fear Act
							FOIA
							OIG
							Nondiscrimination
							Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
			CONNECT WITH US
				Facebook
								Twitter
								Instagram
								LinkedIn
							Youtube
								Pinterest
								Snapchat
								Email
			LANGUAGES
				Español
							繁體中文
							Tiếng Việt
							한국어
							Tagalog
							Русский
							العربية
							Kreyòl Ayisyen
							Français
							Polski
							Português
							Italiano
							Deutsch
							日本語
							فارسی
							English


U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
			Accessibility
			External Links
			Privacy
			Policies
			No Fear Act
			FOIA
			Nondiscrimination
			OIG
			Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
			USA.gov


Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy Close
 Links with this icon  indicate that you are leaving the CDC website. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
				Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
				You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
				CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. Website Disclaimers
 Cancel Continue