> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.snomed.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.snomed.org/education/snomed-ct-education-editorial-guide/readme/authoring/domain-specific-modeling/procedure/index-2/immunization-and-vaccination.md).

# Immunization and vaccination

<mark style="color:$danger;">**This Editorial Guide is used for Education Purposes Only. It is used in the Authoring Courses and Certifications. It is based on the January 2026 Editorial Guide.**</mark>

Immunization may be active (introduction of a vaccine) or passive (introduction of immunoglobulin/antibodies). A *vaccine* is a substance that can induce active immunity. *Vaccination*, by definition, is the introduction of a vaccine, and is, therefore, synonymous with active immunization. Some descriptions include the word *vaccination*, where it is clear that vaccination is intended. Other descriptions have preferred terms with the word *vaccination*, and synonyms with the word *immunization*, to include both active and passive immunization.

* For example,
  * 38598009 |Measles-mumps-rubella vaccination (procedure)| has *vaccination* in all descriptions
  * 86198006 |Influenza vaccination (procedure)| has the synonym, influenza *immunization*

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