immunity gap

Definitions

1. 1

   The time period during which a young mammal no longer receives effective immunity to…

   The time period during which a young mammal no longer receives effective immunity to diseases from antibodies in its mother's milk but its own immune system is not fully developed.

   • The actual age at which the immunity gap develops depends on the amount of maternally derived antibody (MDA) transferred to each kitten.
   • Prior to this, young animals face an 'immunity gap': passive immunity is reduced and the animal's own immune system is not yet fully capable of combating pathogens.
2. 2

   The time period between when an individual's or a population's immunity to a virus has…

   The time period between when an individual's or a population's immunity to a virus has waned (due to normal decrease in immune response over time or to the development of a new strain of the virus) and before a new vaccine can be given to boost immunity.

   • However, an immunity gap in adults coupled with the presence of large numbers of susceptible children and adolescents creates the potential for an extensive epidemic.
   • Thus with the usual booster (third dose) at 5-6 months there is only a small risk of an immunity gap.
   • While prior studies in Pakistan indicated near universal exposure to hepatitis A by age 14 years, the incidence of acute hepatitis A among adults has increased in recent years, indicating an immunity gap.
3. 3

   Used other than figuratively or idiomatically

   Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see immunity, gap.

   • In other words, there currently exists a Good Samaritan immunity gap between and among the states.

The neighborhood