passive immunity

noun

Definition of passive immunity

: short-acting immunity acquired by transfer of antibodies (as by injection of gamma globulin) — compare active immunity

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Recent Examples on the Web But there is also the possibility the vaccine might even confer benefits to the breastfeeding child through passive immunity, according to the ABM. — Miriam Fauzia, USA TODAY, "Fact check: Pregnant women do receive vaccines, but more study needed on COVID-19 shot," 29 Dec. 2020 Active immunity is more enduring than passive immunity. — Los Angeles Times, "Confused about COVID-19 vaccines? Here’s your guide to vaccine vocabulary," 3 Dec. 2020 It was later understood this temporary protective effect was due to passive immunity. — Miriam Fauzia, USA TODAY, "Fact check: Pregnant women do receive vaccines, but more study needed on COVID-19 shot," 29 Dec. 2020 In passive immunity, a person doesn’t make their own antibodies but receives them from another source. — Los Angeles Times, "Confused about COVID-19 vaccines? Here’s your guide to vaccine vocabulary," 3 Dec. 2020 But passive immunity doesn't last as long as active immunity, and loses effectiveness within a few weeks or months, per the CDC. — Leah Groth, Health.com, "What to Know About Active Vs. Passive Immunity—And Why Both Matter With COVID-19," 15 Apr. 2020 While active immunity occurs when an individual produces antibodies to a disease through his or her own immune system, passive immunity is provided when a person is given antibodies. — Leah Groth, Health.com, "What to Know About Active Vs. Passive Immunity—And Why Both Matter With COVID-19," 15 Apr. 2020 The idea is relatively simple, and based on the concept of passive immunity. — Alice Park, Time, "Blood Plasma Treatment for Coronavirus Set to Get Its First Trial Run in New York," 26 Mar. 2020 How long this passive immunity lasts helps inform the immunization schedule. — Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, "What Parents Need to Know About the Immunization Schedule for Kids," 26 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'passive immunity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

24 Jan 2021

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“Passive immunity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/passive%20immunity. Accessed 28 Feb. 2021.

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More Definitions for passive immunity

passive immunity

noun

Medical Definition of passive immunity

: short-acting immunity acquired by transfer of antibodies (as by injection of gamma globulin) — compare acquired immunity, active immunity, innate immunity

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