What is passive immunity?

Passive immunity refers to the type of immunity that occurs when an individual receives antibodies from another source, rather than producing them on their own. This means that the individual does not generate an immune response or produce antibodies in response to an antigen. Instead, they are provided with pre-formed antibodies, which can occur through various mechanisms, such as the transfer of maternal antibodies to a newborn through breast milk or placental transfer during pregnancy.

The other options describe different types of immunity. For instance, immunity developed through vaccinations involves the active immune response where the body produces its own antibodies in response to a vaccine component. Immunity from exposure to pathogens is an active form as well, as it relies on the immune system recognizing and responding to actual infections. Lastly, immunity attained from genetic inheritance pertains to innate immunity or specific genetic factors but does not specifically involve the transfer of antibodies. Therefore, passive immunity is uniquely characterized by the absence of the individual's own antibody production, making the definition provided in the correct answer accurate.