What is the term for the process of protecting against disease or harm by vaccination?

The term that accurately refers to the process of protecting against disease or harm through vaccination is "inoculate." Inoculation traditionally involves introducing a vaccine into the body to stimulate the immune system against a specific pathogen, thereby providing immunity. While "vaccinate" is closely related and often used interchangeably with inoculation, it specifically refers to the act of administering a vaccine, which is a preparation that provides immunity.

The term "immunize" also pertains to making a person immune to a disease, but it encapsulates the overall outcome of vaccination or inoculation rather than the specific action of administering the vaccine itself. "Infect," on the other hand, signifies the introduction of a pathogen into the body that leads to disease, which is entirely contrary to the goal of vaccination. Thus, "inoculate" is the most precise term for the process involved in protecting against disease through vaccination.