What type of immunity is gained through vaccination?

Vaccination leads to artificially acquired immunity because it involves the deliberate introduction of antigens into the body through a vaccine. This process stimulates the immune system to recognize these antigens as foreign, prompting the production of antibodies and memory cells. As a result, the body develops a specific immune response that can provide protection against future infections by the same pathogen.

This immunity is classified as "artificial" since it is induced through external means rather than natural exposure to the disease pathogen. In contrast, naturally acquired immunity occurs through exposure to a pathogen in the environment, while innate immunity refers to the body's immediate, non-specific defense mechanisms present at birth. Passive immunity involves the transfer of antibodies from one individual to another, such as from mother to baby through breast milk, which is different from the active response generated by vaccination.