We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Conditions

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is an Acquired Immunity?

By Ken Black
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 13,249
Share

An acquired immunity is one in which a defense, or immunity, to a disease is acquired through the course of the life of an organism. This means that when the organism's life began, it had no natural immunity to the condition. Acquired immunity may be the result of a number of different factors, including vaccinations, previous exposure, or even an immunity passed down from the mother before a baby is born.

There are two types of acquired immunity: that which stays permanently or for a very long time, and that which is temporary; the latter is known as passive immunity. For example, some domesticated animals may be born with an immunity to rabies passed down from the mother, but that is only a temporary, or passive, immunity. Eventually, in order for those domesticated animals to be immune to the disease, they will need to get their own set of vaccinations.

In order to be most effective, some types of acquired immunity may need to be strengthened from time to time. When some children receive shots, for example, they may need that same shot later in childhood, which is known as a booster. The same is true in adults for diseases like tetanus, which also requires periodic boosters to be most effective.

In some cases, acquired immunity comes after a person has been subjected to a certain disease. Chicken pox, for example, used to be a very common illness, especially for children. Once individuals had the disease once, it became unlikely they would ever get it again. If the disease did reoccur, future instances were usually not as severe because the body had already developed ways of fighting it.

Acquired immunity is common after infections, as long as the individual survives and recovers. Still, despite the immunity, individuals often fall prey to the diseases that are seemingly the same, such as those that cause conditions associated with the common cold or influenza. In those instances, there are usually a number of similar viruses causing the same symptoms. These are known as different strains, and it is impossible to have an immunity against all of them.

For those unsure if they have an acquired immunity to a certain disease, there may be certain antibody tests that can be run to make that determination. This is something that is beneficial, especially for those who may be facing undergoing an entire series of expensive or painful shots in order to be protected from a disease. To have these tests performed, consult a local physician, who will likely need to take a blood sample and have it analyzed at a laboratory.

Share
The Health Board is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By SteamLouis — On May 01, 2014

I'm so glad that there is such a thing as acquired immunity. My coworker was down with chicken pox recently. It's rare in adults but if someone didn't have it in childhood, her or she can get it as an adult. My coworker looked awful and had to take time off from work.

Thankfully, I had chicken pox as a child, so I don't have to worry about it happening to me.

By stoneMason — On Apr 30, 2014

@literally45-- I think what happens is that the influenza strain that is active changes every year. The flu virus has many strains and these strains also change very quickly. They build tolerance to treatments and change their form in order to survive. Although the influenza vaccine provides temporary acquired immunity, it's still very effective during that time period. It's important for children and the elderly to get vaccinated because they are at greater risk due to weaker immune systems.

That being said, some people share your opinion and do not get an annual flu shot. It's really a personal preference. Some people want the protection even though they know that they are going to have to get it again next year. Others don't think it's worth it.

By literally45 — On Apr 30, 2014

If it is impossible to acquire immunity against all influenza strains, then why do we bother with flu vaccinations every year?

Share
https://www.thehealthboard.com/what-is-an-acquired-immunity.htm
Copy this link
The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.