接種

• Reading: せっしゅ
• Romaji: sesshu
• Kanji breakdown: 接 (setsu) — contact, touch, join; 種 (shu) — seed, type, species
• Pronunciation: /ses.ɕɯ/

Meaning

Inoculation; vaccination. The act of administering a vaccine.

A suru-verb (接種する) most commonly encountered in the compound 予防接種 (vaccination). Also used with ワクチン接種 (vaccine inoculation). Became extremely common in everyday Japanese during recent public health campaigns. The subject receiving the shot uses 接種を受ける.

Examples

1. ワクチンの接種は来月から始まる。 Vaccinations will begin starting next month.
2. 子どもの予防接種のスケジュールを確認した。 I checked the schedule for my child's vaccinations.
3. 今年もインフルエンザの接種を受ける予定だ。 I plan to get a flu shot this year too.

Usage Guide

Context: health, public health, news

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 接 (setsu, to join/touch) and 種 (shu, seed/type). Literally 'plant a seed by contact,' reflecting the historical concept of introducing a pathogen seed into the body.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal