What type of immunity is gained through vaccinations?

The type of immunity gained through vaccinations is classified as artificial active immunity. This form of immunity develops when a person is exposed to a vaccine that contains antigens, prompting the immune system to produce its own antibodies in response. Over time, this process enables the body to recognize and combat the specific pathogen if encountered in the future.

In vaccinations, the antigens are typically derived from weakened or inactivated forms of the pathogens, or even parts of the pathogen, such as proteins. Although this exposure to antigens is not through natural infection, it actively stimulates the immune response, thus differentiating it from natural immunity.

Natural active immunity, on the other hand, occurs when a person becomes infected with a disease-causing organism and the immune system responds by creating specific antibodies. In contrast, natural passive immunity is obtained when antibodies are transferred from one individual to another, such as from mother to child during breastfeeding. Lastly, artificial passive immunity is gained through the administration of pre-formed antibodies, such as immunoglobulin therapy, and does not involve the individual's own immune response.