What type of immunity is acquired through vaccination?

The correct answer is active immunity. This type of immunity is stimulated in the body through the introduction of a vaccine, which contains a weakened or inactivated form of a pathogen or a part of it, such as its proteins. When a person is vaccinated, their immune system recognizes these components as foreign and responds by producing antibodies and memory cells that will remember how to react if the actual pathogen is encountered in the future. This immunological "memory" allows the body to mount a quick and effective response upon subsequent exposure, thereby providing long-term protection against that specific pathogen.

In contrast, passive immunity involves the transfer of pre-formed antibodies from one individual to another and does not engage the immune system in the same way. Natural immunity arises from actual exposure to a pathogen, leading to an immune response, while non-specific immunity refers to general defense mechanisms that do not target specific pathogens but rather provide a broad line of defense against a variety of invaders. Active immunity, due to its nature, provides a stronger, more lasting form of protection compared to the other types.