Final answer:
When giving an immunization, a safe antiseptic like povidone-iodine or isopropyl alcohol is used to disinfect the skin, due to their antimicrobial properties and compatibility with living tissues.
Step-by-step explanation:
When giving an immunization, the type of disinfectant you would apply to the skin is an antiseptic. Unlike disinfectants, which are used on non-living surfaces, antiseptics are safe for use on living tissues. Some common antiseptics include iodophors like povidone-iodine (Betadine), which slowly release iodine and are suitable for antisepsis of the patient's skin before needle injection.
Another frequently used antiseptic is isopropyl alcohol, which works by denaturing proteins and disrupting microbial cell membranes. It is favored because it dries quickly, making it suitable for pre-injection skin degerming. However, one should be cautious with alcohols as they can cause skin irritation due to their dehydrating effects.