Dictionary

tetanus: Commonly known as lockjaw, tetanus is caused by the Clostridium tetani bacteria. Common symptoms include muscle aches and pain in the neck and jaw. Vaccinations, namely the DtaP vaccine, are administered to children to prevent this disease.

thimerosal: A preservative used in vaccinations, inks, eye drops and cosmetics during the 1930s. Because thimerosal contains high levels of mercury and, therefore, causes mercury poisoning, it is no longer used in any of these products.

vaccination: The process of administrating a vaccine or a vaccine itself. Also see vaccine.

vaccination schedule: A fixed program that outlines when a child or young adult should receive particular vaccines.

vaccine: A substance containing diluted antigens (disease-causing organisms) that stimulates the body's immune system so that it produces the necessary antibodies to fight that particular antigen, thereby preventing that disease. Vaccines are generally administered as shots and are given for a variety of diseases.

vaccine failure: A circumstance in which an animal is vaccinated against a disease but is nonetheless infected with the disease.

varicella: The virus that causes chickenpox, a disease that causes pervasive skin rashes, blisters and fever. Chickenpox vaccinations are administered to infants under one year old.

virus: An infectious agent that attacks, invades and then reproduces in organic cells, causing disease. Although viral diseases are incurable, vaccinations are available for some viral diseases to prevent people from contracting them.

window of susceptibility: The period of time between when maternal immunity wears off and the age when a puppy or kitten can be vaccinated.

yellow fever: A contagious virus spread by mosquitoes that causes jaundice, fever, muscle aches and possibly death. Yellow fever is a potential weapon of bioterrorists.