Methods and kits for immunizing animals (e.g. mammals) against viral antigens, including herpes-simplex virus type 2 are provided. The protective immune response elicited by the methods and kits is characterized by robust humoral, cellular, and mucosal immunity. In particular, a heterologous immunization method comprising a priming DNA vaccine encoding an antigen and a boosting protein vaccine, in which the protein form of the antigen is encapsulated in liposomes is provided. Methods of preventing primary acute, latent and recurrent viral infections, such as that caused by HSV-2 virus, and methods of providing passive protective immunity against a viral pathogen such as HSV-2 virus to a mammal are also disclosed.
