What does natural immunity mean?

Natural immunity refers to the body's inherent ability to defend itself against pathogens due to genetic factors, typically passed down from parents to offspring. This form of immunity is not acquired through external means like vaccinations or specific infections; instead, it is a part of an individual's innate immune system that they inherit at birth.

This type of immunity encompasses various defenses, including physical barriers (like skin and mucous membranes) and immune responses that the body can activate without prior exposure to specific pathogens. The distinction between natural immunity and other types, such as vaccine-acquired immunity or immunity from prior infections, helps clarify how the body protects itself in different contexts.

Natural immunity can provide a baseline level of defense against certain diseases, but it may not fully protect against every pathogen, which is where vaccinations and exposure-related immunity take on crucial roles in comprehensive health protection strategies.