Smallpox vaccination refers to the process of administering the smallpox vaccine to an individual to protect them against the infectious and sometimes fatal viral disease. There are several synonyms for smallpox vaccination, including variolation, inoculation, immunization, and vaccination against variola. Variolation is the process of intentionally infecting an individual with a mild form of smallpox in order to produce immunity. Inoculation involves the insertion of smallpox virus into the skin in a controlled manner. Immunization is the process of producing an immune response in the body through exposure to a vaccine. Finally, vaccination against variola refers to the process of administering a vaccine that protects against the variola virus, which causes smallpox.