Which type of immunity does a vaccine induce?

Vaccines induce artificial immunity, which is a form of adaptive immunity. This type of immunity is developed through exposure to antigens in a controlled manner, typically through vaccination. When a vaccine is administered, it introduces a harmless component of a pathogen (such as a protein or a piece of genetic material) into the body, prompting the immune system to respond. This response includes the production of antibodies and activation of memory cells. As a result, the body develops a memory of the pathogen, which enables a quicker and more effective defense if exposed to the actual pathogen in the future.

In contrast, natural immunity occurs through direct exposure to a pathogen, either through infection or maternal antibodies. Innate immunity refers to the body's first line of defense, including physical barriers and immune cells that respond immediately to pathogens but do not provide long-lasting protection. Cell-mediated immunity specifically involves T cells responding to infected cells and does not fully encompass the broader immune response that vaccines stimulate.