Artificial induction of immunity

Artificial induction of immunity is immunization achieved by human efforts in preventive healthcare, as opposed to (and augmenting) natural immunity as produced by organisms' immune systems. It makes people immune to specific diseases by means other than waiting for them to catch the disease. The purpose is to reduce the risk of death and suffering,^[1] that is, the disease burden, even when eradication of the disease is not possible. Vaccination is the chief type of such immunization, greatly reducing the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases.

Immunity against infections that can cause serious illness is beneficial. Founded on a germ theory of infectious diseases, as demonstrated by Louis Pasteur's discoveries, modern medicine has provided means for inducing immunity against a widening range of diseases to prevent the associated risks from the wild infections.^[1] It is hoped that further understanding of the molecular basis of immunity will translate to improved clinical practice in the future.^[2]

^ ^a ^b "Immunization". UNICEF. Archived from the original on 4 September 2019. Retrieved 16 April 2013.
^ Palmer, Guy H.; McElwain, Terry F. (1995). "Molecular basis for vaccine development against anaplasmosis and babesiosis". Veterinary Parasitology. 57 (1–3): 233–53. doi:10.1016/0304-4017(94)03123-E. PMID 7597787.

[unicef-1] "Immunization". UNICEF. Archived from the original on 4 September 2019. Retrieved 16 April 2013.

[2] Palmer, Guy H.; McElwain, Terry F. (1995). "Molecular basis for vaccine development against anaplasmosis and babesiosis". Veterinary Parasitology. 57 (1–3): 233–53. doi:10.1016/0304-4017(94)03123-E. PMID 7597787.

[1]

[2]