Which type of immunity is activated by vaccination?

Vaccination specifically activates acquired immunity, which is a component of the immune system that develops in response to exposure to pathogens or through immunization. Acquired immunity can be further classified into active and passive immunity. When a person is vaccinated, they are exposed to a harmless part of the pathogen, such as an inactivated toxin or a weakened part of the microbe, prompting their immune system to generate a response. This includes the production of antibodies and memory cells that provide long-term protection against future infections from the same pathogen.

In contrast, natural immunity refers to the immunity gained through infection by a pathogen, while innate immunity represents the first line of defense that the body employs against pathogens, including barriers like skin and mucous membranes, as well as immune cells that react quickly to any threats. Passive immunity, on the other hand, involves the transfer of antibodies from one person to another, such as from mother to infant through breast milk, but does not involve the activation of the body's own immune response for long-term immunity. The specific mechanism of action in vaccination, where the immune system learns to recognize and defend against a pathogen, distinctly aligns with the principles of acquired immunity.