The process of administering prepared immunoglobulins (antibodies) to prevent or treat infectious diseases is known as passive immunization. These preparations, also referred to as immune globulin or gamma-globulin injections, function by transferring antibodies that are collected from the blood of individuals who have previously encountered these diseases.
These injections are primarily used to prevent infectious diseases, like chickenpox, in individuals who have been exposed to the infection and are not yet immune, or those who are at an elevated risk, such as during cancer treatment. These antibodies can also be given intravenously on a regular schedule for conditions involving immunodeficiency. Side effects of these injections can include a rash and fever, along with pain and soreness at the injection site if administered into a muscle.