| S. No | Active immunity | Passive immunity |
| (i) | It is developed due to contact with pathogen (dead or living) or its antigen, that leads to production of antibodies in the host body. | It is developed when readymade antibodies are injected into the body. |
| (ii) | It has no or only few side effects. | It may cause a reaction |
| (iii) | It is slow but long lasting. | It is fast but lasts only for few days. |
| (iv) | It takes time to develop its response. | It is used when the immune response has to be faster. |
| (v) | For example, vaccination for polio, etc | For example, administration of tetanus antitoxins, antibodies in colostrum, etc. |
