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Vaccination primarily provides active immunity, which involves the stimulation of the immune system to produce its own antibodies against pathogens. When a vaccine is introduced into the body, it contains antigens that mimic pathogens without causing disease. This exposure prompts the immune system to recognize and remember these antigens. Consequently, if the individual encounters the actual pathogen in the future, their immune system can rapidly produce the specific antibodies necessary to combat the infection effectively.

Active immunity results in a lasting immune response, often providing protection for years or even a lifetime. This long-term defense contrasts with passive immunity, where antibodies are transferred from another host, providing temporary protection without stimulating the recipient's own immune system to respond. Natural immunity occurs through infections, and cell-mediated immunity is a component of the overall immune response that involves various immune cells rather than antibodies specifically.