Which type of immunity is gained through vaccination?

Vaccination leads to the development of adaptive (acquired) immunity. When a vaccine is administered, it introduces a harmless component of a pathogen, such as a protein or inactivated form of the germ, into the body. This triggers the immune system to respond by producing antibodies and activating specific immune cells tailored to recognize and combat that pathogen in the future.

Adaptive immunity is characterized by its ability to remember previous exposures to pathogens, leading to a faster and more robust immune response upon re-exposure. This memory function differentiates it from other types of immunity, as it is built over time through exposure to antigens, whether from a natural infection or through vaccination.

In contrast, passive immunity involves the transfer of antibodies from one individual to another and does not involve the recipient's immune system actively responding to an antigen. Non-specific immunity refers to the body's initial defense mechanisms that are not targeted to a specific pathogen, such as skin barriers and phagocytic cells. Innate immunity comprises the first line of defense and includes natural barriers and responses, which provide a generalized defense rather than a targeted response like that of adaptive immunity.