What is the difference between active and passive immunization?

Question: Explain the key differences between active and passive immunization and provide examples of each. Answer: Active and passive immunization are two different approaches to protecting the body against disease. Active immunization introduces a weakened, inactivated, or modified pathogen into the body, stimulating the immune system to produce a specific immune response and generate memory cells and antibodies. Examples of active immunization include vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), and the seasonal flu vaccine. Passive immunization involves giving preformed antibodies or immune cells specific to a particular pathogen, providing immediate but temporary protection. Examples include the administration of rabies immunoglobulin after possible rabies exposure or the use of monoclonal antibodies to treat COVID-19. Key differences between active and passive immunization include: 1. Duration of protection: Active immunization provides long-lasting immunity, while passive immunization offers temporary protection. 2. Onset of protection: Active immunization takes several days to weeks to develop a protective immune response, while passive immunization provides immediate protection. 3. Immune system involvement: Active immunization stimulates the immune system to produce its own response against a pathogen, whereas passive immunization does not involve the activation of the recipient's immune system. 4. Examples: Active immunization includes vaccines like MMR, polio, and seasonal flu, while passive immunization includes administration of immunoglobulins or monoclonal antibodies for conditions like rabies, hepatitis B, and COVID-19.