Information for patients on the prevention of diseases using immunoglobulin
Updated 19 August 2025
Applies to England
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Our bodies have an efficient immune system that produces antibodies when exposed to a disease or immunisation. These antibodies help protect us from future infections as part of the body’s normal defence system.
When to use immunoglobulin products
Immunoglobulin is a medicinal product made from human blood. It contains natural antibodies that help fight and protect against bacteria and viruses.
Immunoglobulin therapy is given following exposure to a serious infection, when our body’s own store of antibodies does not provide enough protection against bacteria and viruses.
The different types of immunoglobulin products
For some infections, immunoglobulin can be sourced from donors who have had a specific infection, such as chickenpox or hepatitis A. For other infections, ‘normal immunoglobulin’ is given, which naturally contains a mix of antibodies to provide protection.
Timing of immunoglobulin
Immunoglobulin therapy works quickly when given within a specified timeframe, but its effects only last for a few weeks. This is unlike vaccinations, which take longer to work but provide longer-lasting protection through immune memory.
Some people require both vaccines and immunoglobulin (if they have been identified as being particularly susceptible), such as some of those exposed to hepatitis A or B. Often the vaccination is given at the same time or close in timing to the immunoglobulin treatment.
The immunoglobulin provides protection whilst your body is responding to the vaccination. It may take 1 to 2 weeks for your body to generate an antibody response to a vaccination.
In some cases, you may need to wait after having had immunoglobulin before receiving a vaccination. For example, live vaccines like MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) should ideally be given 3 months after receiving immunoglobulin.
The effectiveness of immunoglobulin products
The immunoglobulin therapy may reduce the severity of the infection you have been exposed to rather than preventing you getting the infection completely.
If you have had immunoglobulin following exposure to an infection and you do not get the infection, you could still get the disease if exposed again in the future if you are not also vaccinated against the infection.
Administering immunoglobulin
Immunoglobulin is usually given as an injection into a large muscle (intramuscular), such as the thigh. It can be administered in the community in a GP surgery, a clinic or at a local hospital.
Some people with weakened immune systems may be recommended to have intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) which is a form of immunoglobulin given through a drip into a vein and is usually administered at a local hospital.
More about immunoglobulin products
Immunoglobulin is a blood-based product. Several thousand blood donations are pooled together, and the immunoglobulin is treated to remove infections and carefully screened for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
Most people do not experience side effects. However, a small number may have an allergic reaction, such as a rash or headache. Rare side effects include chest pain, dizziness, and mouth ulcers.
If a clinician recommends immunoglobulin therapy, it means you have been exposed to a serious infection that could lead to severe disease. The benefits of the therapy are expected to far outweigh the minimal risk of side effects. It is given to prevent or reduce the impact of the infection.