What type of immunity is obtained through vaccination?

Vaccination leads to artificially acquired active immunity because it stimulates the immune system to produce a response against specific pathogens. When a vaccine is administered, it introduces a harmless component of a pathogen (such as a protein or an inactivated form of the virus) into the body. This exposure prompts the immune system to recognize it as a foreign agent, triggering the production of antibodies and the activation of T-cells tailored to recognize and combat that specific pathogen in the future.

This type of immunity is termed "active" because the immune system is engaged in generating a protective response, which will provide long-lasting protection. The immunity gained from vaccination can persist for years or even decades, as memory cells formed during the immune response can quickly mobilize if the body encounters the actual pathogen later on.

In contrast, naturally acquired passive immunity occurs when antibodies are transferred from one individual to another, such as from mother to child through breastfeeding; innate immunity refers to the natural defenses present at birth; and artificially acquired passive immunity involves direct administration of antibodies (e.g., through an injection of immunoglobulins) rather than the body constructing its own immune response.