Translation guide
A vaccine containing a weakened form of the pathogen that can still replicate, as opposed to an inactivated vaccine.
The standard medical term for a vaccine that uses a weakened live pathogen.
The most common and direct translation. Used in medical contexts and everyday conversation.
この生ワクチンは冷蔵保存が必要です。
This live vaccine needs to be refrigerated.
More precise term meaning 'attenuated live vaccine'. Often used in technical or medical literature.
弱毒生ワクチンは、病原体の毒性を弱めて作られます。
Attenuated live vaccines are made by weakening the virulence of the pathogen.
A more literal translation, 'living vaccine'. Less common and may sound slightly informal or explanatory.
生きたワクチンを使うので、副反応に注意してください。
Since it uses a live vaccine, please be aware of side effects.
Live vaccines (生ワクチン) contain weakened pathogens that replicate, while inactivated vaccines (不活化ワクチン) contain killed pathogens. In Japanese medical contexts, this distinction is important for vaccination schedules and contraindications.
生ワクチンと不活化ワクチンは、接種間隔が異なります。
The interval between doses differs for live and inactivated vaccines.