What is the term for immunity that is not naturally acquired?

The term that refers to immunity not naturally acquired is characterized as artificially acquired immunity. This type of immunity is developed through external interventions, typically involving medical procedures. It encompasses methods such as vaccinations, where a person is exposed to a weakened or inactive form of a pathogen, thus stimulating the immune system to recognize and remember the pathogen without causing the disease itself.

This contrasts with naturally acquired immunity, which occurs through direct exposure to the pathogen, such as during an infection. The distinction is critical in understanding how immunity can be fostered through non-natural means, helping to prevent diseases effectively without relying solely on the body’s natural disease processes.

Active immunity is related to the process of the immune system generating a strong response after exposure to an antigen, whether through natural infection or vaccination. In contrast, passive immunity involves the transfer of antibodies from another source, like during breastfeeding or through antibody treatments, rather than the individual's immune system actively producing its own antibodies. Innate immunity refers to the body's first line of defense, including physical barriers and innate immune responses, rather than any adaptive or acquired immunity.