Glossary
Commonly used terms and definitions
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adjuvant — a substance that increases the body’s immune response to an antigen
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antibody — a protein that identifies and neutralizes harmful substances like bacteria and viruses
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antigen — the part of an organism that stimulates the immune system
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CISA — Clinical Immunization Safety Assessment
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CDC — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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DOR — Division of Research
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DHHS — Department of Health and Human Services
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FDA — Food and Drug Administration
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NIH — National Institutes of Health
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IRB — Institutional Review Board
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pathogen — an agent that causes disease, e.g., a bacteria or a virus
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vaccine — a biological substance that stimulates the body’s immune system to prevent a specific disease
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VSD — Vaccine Safety Datalink
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VAERS — Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System
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WHO — World Health Organization
