| Active immunity | Passive immunity |
| 1. Active immunity is produced in response to entry of pathogens and their antigenic stimuli. | 1. Passive immunity is produced due to antibodies that are transferred to the body |
| 2. Active immunity is the long lasting immunity. | 2. Passive immunity is short-lived immunity. |
| 3. In active immunity, the body produces its own antibodies. | 3. In passive immunity, antibodies are given to the body from outside. |
| 4. Natural acquired active immunity is obtained due to infections by pathogens. | 4. Natural acquired passive immunity is obtained through antibodies of mother transmitted- to baby by placenta or colostrum. |
| 5. Artificial acquired active immunity is obtained through vaccinations. These vaccines contain dead or live but attenuated pathogens. | 5. Artificial acquired passive immunity is also obtained through vaccinations, but here the vaccines contain the readymade antibodies which are prepared with the help of other animals such as horses. |
