Definition

Noun: 1. An additional dose of a vaccine: A booster dose is an extra administration of a vaccine given after the initial course (primary series). Its primary purpose is to "boost" or re-stimulate the immune system's memory and response, ensuring strong and lasting protection against a disease. It helps to maintain immunity that may have decreased over time.

Usage

The term is used specifically in medical and public health contexts to refer to follow-up vaccinations. * It is common to receive a booster dose for vaccines against tetanus, diphtheria, and COVID-19. * Doctors recommend a measles booster dose before traveling to certain regions. * The clinic is offering flu shot booster doses to elderly patients.

Advanced Usage

• "Booster shot" or "booster": These are common, less formal synonyms used interchangeably with "booster dose" in everyday language.
  • I got my tetanus booster last year.
• The concept implies a supplementary dose to enhance or prolong the effectiveness of the primary series of vaccinations.

Variants and Related Words

• Booster (n.): The shortened, common form of "booster dose" or "booster shot."
• Booster shot (n.): A synonymous phrase.
• Revaccination (n.): The act of administering a vaccine again; a booster dose is a form of revaccination.
• Primary series (n.): The initial set of vaccine doses required to build basic immunity, after which a booster may be given.

Synonyms

• Supplemental dose
• Follow-up dose
• Recall dose

Related Phrases

• Get/receive a booster: The standard phrasing for the action.
  • It's important to get a booster every ten years for tetanus.
• Booster campaign: A coordinated effort to administer booster doses to a population.
  • The health department launched a nationwide booster campaign.

Noun

1. an additional dose that makes sure the first dose was effective