Passive immunisation: hyperimmune globulins and monoclonal antibody prophylaxis
How transferred antibody protects, IgG half-life and FcRn, the hyperimmune globulins used in Australia (rabies, tetanus, hepatitis B, zoster, anti-D), nirsevimab, immunoglobulin replacement dosing, and how passive antibody interferes with serology and live vaccines.
Tier 2Medical sciences concept
Written with AI assistance and fact-checked against the sources below. For exam study, not clinical decisions. How notes are made
At a glance
- Passive immunisation gives ready-made antibody. Protection is immediate but lasts only weeks to months, and no memory forms.
- Use it when there's no time for a vaccine to work (post-exposure), when the host can't respond (antibody deficiency, early infancy), or when no vaccine exists.
- Products: pooled normal immunoglobulin (IVIg, SCIg, IM NHIG), hyperimmune globulins from donors with high titres (rabies, tetanus, hepatitis B, zoster, anti-D), monoclonal antibodies (nirsevimab, palivizumab) and animal antitoxins (antivenoms).
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Sources
- Australian Immunisation HandbookAU/NZAustralian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, online edition, accessed November 2026
- Australian Immunisation Handbook: Zoster Immunoglobulin-VF (human)AU/NZATAGI, Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
- National Immunisation Program. RSV maternal vaccination: program advice for health professionalsAU/NZAustralian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, May 2026
- Criteria for the clinical use of immunoglobulin in AustraliaAU/NZNational Blood Authority
- Guideline for the prophylactic use of Rh D immunoglobulin in pregnancy careAU/NZNational Blood Authority and RANZCOG, 2021
- Guidelines on post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for varicella or shinglesUK Health Security Agency, January 2023, page updated March 2026
- Nirsevimab for prevention of RSV in healthy late-preterm and term infants (MELODY)N Engl J Med 2022;386:837-46 (Hammitt LL et al.), 2022
- Last updated
- 14 November 2026
What changed
- 14 November 2026 Personal emails, About story and Australian-style copy