What type of immunity do vaccines provide?

Vaccines provide active immunity. This type of immunity develops when the immune system is exposed to a harmless form of a pathogen—such as a weakened or inactivated virus or bacteria, or a piece of the pathogen (like a protein). When a vaccine is administered, it stimulates the immune system to recognize the pathogen and mount a defense against it. This process leads to the production of specific antibodies and memory cells, which help the body recognize and respond more effectively if it encounters the actual pathogen in the future.

Active immunity is characterized by the long-lasting protection it offers, as the immune system has been actively engaged in generating a response, including the formation of memory cells that can persist for years or even a lifetime. This is in contrast to passive immunity, where antibodies are transferred from one individual to another (e.g., from mother to child through breast milk), providing immediate but temporary protection. Natural immunity occurs when an individual is exposed to a pathogen in the environment and develops an immune response, while innate immunity refers to the non-specific defenses that are present at birth and provide the body’s first line of defense against pathogens.