Immunity that develops after a person receives immune system components, most commonly antibodies, donated from another person. Passive immunity can occur naturally, such as when an infant receives a mother’s antibodies through the placenta or breast milk, or artificially, such as when a person receives antibodies in the form of an injection (gamma globulin injection). Passive immunity provides immediate protection against an antigen, but does not provide long-lasting protection.
See Related Term(s): Acquired Immunity, Active Immunity, Antibody