# Describe how vaccination protects a person from becoming ill when they are exposed to a pathogen.

> Eduqas GCSE Biology — 2.6.2 The immune system · Describe · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The vaccine contains a dead, weakened or harmless form of the pathogen (or its antigens)
2. White blood cells produce antibodies in response to the antigens in the vaccine
3. Memory cells are produced so the immune system 'remembers' the pathogen
4. On future exposure to the pathogen, antibodies are produced more quickly / in greater quantity so the pathogen is destroyed before the person becomes ill

## Key terms

- [vaccination](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/vaccination)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Biology](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-how-vaccination-protects-a-person-601ecf72) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.