Passive immunity is provided when?

Passive immunity is provided when?

• A. Antibodies are given to a person rather than produced by their immune system
• B. The immune system produces antibodies after exposure
• C. Immunity is present at birth
• D. Vaccination is given to induce response

Answer: (A)

Passive immunity is provided when antibodies are given to a person rather than produced by their own immune system. This means protection comes from antibodies made elsewhere and transferred to the individual, so it starts right away but is temporary because the recipient doesn’t generate memory cells to maintain long-term protection. Natural passive immunity occurs when a mother passes antibodies to her baby through the placenta or breastfeeding, and artificial passive immunity happens when antibodies are injected directly. Active immunity, by contrast, happens when the immune system itself makes antibodies in response to an exposure or after vaccination, leading to longer-lasting protection because memory cells are produced. The idea of immunity present at birth can involve maternal antibodies but isn’t the general definition of passive immunity, and vaccination is aimed at triggering an active immune response rather than providing immediate external antibodies.

Passive immunity is provided when antibodies are given to a person rather than produced by their own immune system. This means protection comes from antibodies made elsewhere and transferred to the individual, so it starts right away but is temporary because the recipient doesn’t generate memory cells to maintain long-term protection. Natural passive immunity occurs when a mother passes antibodies to her baby through the placenta or breastfeeding, and artificial passive immunity happens when antibodies are injected directly.

Active immunity, by contrast, happens when the immune system itself makes antibodies in response to an exposure or after vaccination, leading to longer-lasting protection because memory cells are produced. The idea of immunity present at birth can involve maternal antibodies but isn’t the general definition of passive immunity, and vaccination is aimed at triggering an active immune response rather than providing immediate external antibodies.