What does the term "catch-up vaccination" refer to?

The term "catch-up vaccination" specifically refers to the practice of administering vaccines to individuals who have not received doses according to the recommended immunization schedule. This situation often arises when individuals miss vaccinations during their first recommended ages, such as infants or children, but it can also apply to adolescents and adults who have not completed their vaccine series or received timely booster shots. The goal of catch-up vaccination is to bring individuals up to date on their immunizations to ensure they are protected against vaccine-preventable diseases.

In this context, catch-up vaccination plays a vital role in public health by minimizing the risk of disease outbreaks and protecting not just the individuals who receive the vaccines but also the broader community through improved herd immunity. The other provided choices do not accurately capture the essence of catch-up vaccinations; for example, vaccinations prior to international travel or in response to outbreaks are specific scenarios that do not focus exclusively on missed doses associated with the established immunization schedule.