Which type of vaccine leads to a stronger, longer-lasting immune response?

Live attenuated vaccines are designed using a weakened form of the pathogen that causes the disease. Because these vaccines closely mimic a natural infection, they help the immune system mount a strong and comprehensive response. When a live attenuated vaccine is administered, it stimulates not only the production of antibodies but also promotes the activation of T-cells and other aspects of the immune system. This leads to the creation of a robust immunological memory.

Moreover, the immune response elicited by live attenuated vaccines tends to last longer compared to other types of vaccines. For example, many live vaccines require fewer booster doses to maintain immunity. This durability is a result of both the nature of the immune response generated and the fact that live attenuated vaccines can replicate in the body, leading to a more sustained immune activation.

In contrast, inactivated vaccines consist of killed pathogens and typically elicit a more limited response, often requiring multiple doses to achieve immunity. Subunit vaccines contain only specific pieces of the pathogen, which can result in a weaker response because they may not stimulate a full range of immune mechanisms. mRNA vaccines, while effective, generally require booster doses to maintain long-lasting immunity, as the immune response may not be as robust or durable as that from live attenuated vaccines