There are two types of immunity: active and passive. Active immunity occurs when the body produces its own antibodies after exposure to an antigen, either from natural infection or vaccination. Passive immunity occurs when antibodies are transferred to a person, rather than being produced by their own immune system, such as antibodies passed from mother to fetus or through antibody administration. Vaccines work by introducing a weakened or dead form of a pathogen to trigger antibody production and provide immunity without causing disease.