They are briefly: Antibodies made in the blood stream in response to illness or immunization are passed to a newborn via the placenta & at a concentration above that of the mother in units/lb. After the donated antibodies wear out (3-4 mo) baby must build his/her own antibodies. The antibodies in each are built from instructions stored in the thymus gland or other body sites after illness or vaccinations.
Answered 12/23/2013
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Immune system : Immunity to a disease is conferred by exposure to an antigen (virus, bacteria, or vaccine which is derived from the infectious agent) - mothers pass on antibodies to their babies that provide protection for the ~first 2-6 months - when these no longer function the infant is susceptible to different infectious agents - immunity in the newborn then must be established by infection or vaccination.
Answered 10/6/2017
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