What type of immunity is acquired through vaccination?

Vaccination stimulates the immune system to produce a response against specific pathogens without the individual having to suffer from the actual disease. This process is a form of artificially acquired immunity because it involves introducing antigens into the body in a controlled manner through a vaccine.

When a vaccine is administered, it prompts the immune system to generate an adaptive immune response, including the production of antibodies and the development of memory cells. This prepares the immune system to respond more effectively if the individual is later exposed to the disease-causing organism.

Natural immunity, on the other hand, is acquired through natural exposure to pathogens, while passive immunity involves the transfer of antibodies from one individual to another, such as from mother to child through breast milk. Innate immunity refers to the natural defenses that are present from birth and do not involve memory or specific recognition of pathogens. Thus, vaccination is categorized as artificially acquired immunity due to its intentional introduction of antigens to stimulate a protective immune response.