Which kind of immunity is achieved through vaccinations?

Vaccinations provide artificial active acquired immunity. This type of immunity is achieved when a person is exposed to a harmless form of a pathogen through vaccination, prompting the immune system to respond by producing antibodies. This response prepares the immune system for future encounters with the actual pathogen, enabling it to recognize and combat it more effectively.

In contrast, natural active acquired immunity occurs when a person is exposed to a pathogen through infection and their immune system generates a response, which is not facilitated by a vaccine. Natural passive acquired immunity involves the transfer of antibodies from one individual to another, such as from mother to infant through breast milk, providing temporary protection without the need for the recipient's immune system to become actively involved. Lastly, artificial passive acquired immunity refers to the administration of pre-formed antibodies, such as immunoglobulin therapy, to provide immediate protection but does not involve the recipient's immune response creating its own antibodies.