Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

Which type of immunity is characterized by the presence of antibodies produced by an individual's immune system after vaccination?

1. Active immunity

2. Passive immunity

3. Natural immunity

4. Acquired immunity

The correct answer is: Active immunity

The presence of antibodies produced by an individual's immune system after vaccination is indicative of active immunity. This type of immunity develops when exposure to a pathogen triggers the body's immune response, leading to the production of antibodies specific to that pathogen. Vaccines work by simulating infection, which prompts the immune system to create these antibodies without causing the disease itself. As a result, if the individual is later exposed to the actual pathogen, their immune system can recognize it quickly and mount an effective response. In contrast, passive immunity involves the transfer of antibodies from another source, such as from mother to infant through breast milk or through the administration of immunoglobulin. Natural immunity refers to the immunity acquired through infection, while acquired immunity generally encompasses both active and passive immunity, but it is less specific in the context of describing how antibodies are produced. Active immunity stands out as it specifically involves the individual's own immune system generating a response in reaction to a vaccine.