Active immunity is the formation of antibodies from exposure to an antigen whereas passive immunity is when the body is injected with preformed antibodies. Active immunity is thought to have lifelong immunity to a specific antigen. Smallpox is one instance where it is thought that the eradication of the disease has resulted in our bodies losing the memory cells that were once triggered to produce antibodies. (Tucker, 2023) There are additionally two types of active immunity. Active artificial immunity is from a vaccine and active natural immunity is when an antigen enters the body after being exposed. Passive artificial immunity is when antibodies are manufactured from animal plasma and injected into someone. There is also passive natural immunity which refers to antibodies being passed to a fetus via placenta or breastmilk.
Key nursing considerations when implementing vaccines would include to always assess for contraindications like known allergies, pregnancy, and immune deficiency. Always perform a physical assessment before administering vaccines and check for signs of infection, fever, monitor pulse and respirations. It is also important to have emergency equipment, such as epinephrine, on standby in case of adverse reaction.
Vaccines produce active immunity while serum produce passive immunity only. In other words a vaccine will train the immune system to fight infections with memory cells that will remember and recognize a specific antigen providing immunity. Serums work by injecting manufactured antibodies providing immunity to a specific antigen. Passive immunity is noted to only last for a few weeks or months. (Centers for Disease Control, 2021)
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