08/07/2026
HEALTHWISE THURSDAY!
August is National Immunization Awareness Month, a great time to make sure you're up to date on vaccines and learn how they help protect communities. This week, we explore why vaccination is often the safer path to immunity.
Q: Why is being immunized by a vaccine better than natural immunity?
A: Both vaccines and infection can give you immunity to diseases. However, relying on infection or “natural immunity” to protect you can be much riskier.
To develop immunity, your immune system must learn to recognize and attack diseased cells. This occurs naturally after you’ve been infected with and recovered from an illness like chickenpox. It can also be triggered by a vaccine, which introduces your body to an inactive form of the infection.
The problem with natural immunity is that the disease itself can be dangerous. Diseases like measles can lead to hospitalization and complications. Certain infections can also increase your risk of other health problems later in life.
Vaccines can give you immunity without these risks. They do this by using an inert form of the virus that your immune cells can recognize but won’t cause disease, delivering the smallest effective dose of the immunogen.
Some vaccines actually provide stronger protection than natural immunity. These include:
✅ HPV vaccine
✅ Tetanus vaccine
✅ Pneumococcal vaccine
It’s important to note that while vaccines are lower-risk than infection, they are not risk-free. A small number of people do experience a vaccine reaction or injury. These cases are very rare, however.
More often, people may experience temporary side effects like injection-site pain or fever after being vaccinated, but should go away after a day or two.
The bottom line is that vaccines provide a safer and sometimes more effective form of immunity for most people. Talk with your doctor about your risk factors and about getting up to date on any vaccines you need.
Chrissy Miller, RN
Employee Health and Wellness Manager
Maui Health
For more Healthwise tips from physicians, providers and administrative staff at Maui Health hospitals and clinics, visit mauihealth.org/healthwise.