Basis of differentiation | Vaccination | Immunization |
Definition | Is a process by which a vaccine is introduced into the individual for protection against a specific disease | Is a process by which the body produces antibodies against pathogens that are inserted through vaccines |
Main goal | To stimulate the immune system to develop adaptive immunity to a particular pathogen | To build immunity or resistance to an infectious disease, typically by administering a vaccine |
Administration methods | May be administered by injection, orally, or a nasal spray | Is not administered – it is the body’s natural way to develop resistance by boosting the immune system |
Principle | A dose of weakened or dead pathogens is introduced into the body of a healthy individual | After being administered a vaccine, the body starts to produce antibodies against the weak pathogen |
Timeline | Precedes immunization | Follows vaccination |
Guarantee | Does not guarantee complete resistance to the disease – the vaccination alone cannot protect against disease in case of a weak immune system | Guarantees complete resistance to the disease – the immune system builds up ample antibodies that help to eradicate the pathogen from the body completely |