Word parts
What it means
Innate immunity is the defense people are born with, such as skin, stomach acid and white blood cells that attack any invader. Acquired immunity develops after exposure. Active immunity comes from having an infection or a vaccine, which teaches the body to make its own antibodies and lasts a long time. Passive immunity comes from receiving ready-made antibodies, such as from mother to baby through the placenta and breast milk, or from immune globulin injections; it works at once but fades within weeks to months.
At a glance
| Spanish | inmunidad |
|---|---|
| Also written | immunities |
Related terms
vaccine
A product that trains the immune system to protect the body against a specific disease.
immune system
The body's defense system of cells, tissues and organs that fights germs and other foreign substances.
white blood cell
A blood cell that is part of the immune system and helps the body fight infection and other foreign material.
immune
Protected against a disease, or having to do with the body's defense system against germs and other foreign things.