What are the differences between vaccination and immunization?

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