Passive immunity is conferred by the transfer of antibodies from one person to another; the recipient does not produce his or her own antibodies. For example, a gamma globulin shot (another individual’s antibodies) can confer passive immunity against hepatitis A. As another example, a fetus receives IgG across the placenta from the mother. This passive immunity helps the newborn to fight disease before its own immune system has developed.
Does vaccination against a disease confer active or passive immunity?
Passive immunity is conferred by the transfer of antibodies from one person to another; the recipient does not produce his or her own antibodies. For example, a gamma globulin shot (another individual’s antibodies) can confer passive immunity against hepatitis A. As another example, a fetus receives IgG across the placenta from the mother. This passive immunity helps the newborn to fight disease before its own immune system has developed.