As an immunologist, science communicator, and mom of twins, I often get asked: “Isn’t it better to get immunity naturally?” It’s a fair question—and one that deserves a thoughtful answer. But first, let’s rethink the language we use.

Calling infection “natural” implies it’s somehow better or safer. In reality, infections that happen out in the wild (think schools, grocery stores and soccer games) are uncontrolled, unpredictable, and often dangerous. And calling vaccines “artificial” makes them sound synthetic or foreign, when in fact they work by engaging the same cells and components of the immune system that infections do.

So, let’s reframe the conversation: it’s not “natural vs. artificial,” it’s out in the wild exposure vs. guided immunity.

How Immunity Works—No Matter the Source

Whether your immune system encounters a virus out in the wild or via a vaccine, the process of building immunity to it is remarkably similar. Your body uses the innate immune system to recognize and respond to the invader and its adaptive immune system—specifically B cells and T cells—to remember it for the future.

Vaccines are designed to safely introduce a piece of the virus or bacteria (like a protein or weakened or inactivated form) so your immune system can learn to fight it—without the risk of severe illness. It’s like showing your immune system a “wanted poster” instead of letting it get mugged in a dark alley.

Infection Out in the Wild: The High-Stakes Gamble

When you get infected out in the wild, your body is thrown into a real-time battle. You don’t get to choose how severe the illness will be. Some people recover quickly, but others—especially children, older adults, or those with underlying conditions—can face serious complications, long-term effects, or even death.

Take measles, for example. Before vaccines, measles caused hundreds of thousands of deaths each year. Even today, outbreaks can lead to hospitalizations and long-term damage. COVID-19 showed us how unpredictable infections can be, with some people experiencing mild symptoms and others facing life-threatening illness, long COVID or death.

Vaccines: A Safer Path to Protection

Vaccines offer a pathway to immunity—without the suffering. They’re carefully designed to activate your immune system in a controlled way. You might feel a sore arm, mild fatigue or a low-grade fever, but that’s your body doing its job: recognizing the threat and preparing defenses.

Importantly, vaccines don’t just protect individuals—they help protect communities. When enough people are vaccinated, it becomes harder for diseases to spread, shielding those who can’t be vaccinated due to age or medical conditions.

Are Vaccine-Induced Immunity and Infection-Induced Immunity the Same?

In many cases, yes. Both lead to the production of antibodies and memory cells that help prevent future illness. In fact, vaccine-induced immunity can sometimes be more reliable than immunity from wild infection. That’s because vaccines are designed to focus the immune response on the most commonly exposed or encountered parts of the pathogen.

For example, COVID-19 vaccines target the spike protein, which is found on the outer surface of the intact virus and key to the virus entering cells. This targeted approach helps the immune system mount a strong defense without the chaos of a full-blown infection.

Let’s Address a Few Misconceptions

Misconception: “Natural immunity is stronger.”
Truth: Yes, wild infection can lead to strong immunity, but at a high cost. Vaccines often produce strong, long-lasting protection with far less risk.

Misconception: “Vaccines overwhelm the immune system.”
Truth: Your immune system is built to handle millions of microbes and is exposed to thousands daily. Vaccines are a drop in the bucket—and they’re designed to be safe and effective.

Misconception: “If I’m healthy, I don’t need vaccines.”
Truth: Even healthy people can get seriously ill and sometimes die. And, even more importantly, you can spread disease to others who are more vulnerable.

As a mom, I want my kids protected. As a scientist, I know vaccines are one of the safest, most effective tools we have. And as a communicator, I believe we need to shift the narrative: immunity from vaccines isn’t artificial—it’s guided, intentional, and safe.

So, the next time someone talks about “natural immunity,” ask them: Would you rather train your immune system with practice from a vaccine—or throw it into a real fight and hope for the best?

Let’s choose the safer path. Let’s choose guided immunity.