# Describe how vaccination protects a person from disease. Include the role of white blood cells in your answer.

> AQA A-Level Biology (7402) — 3.2.4 Cell Recognition and the Immune System · Describe · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. The vaccine contains antigens (from a pathogen / dead or weakened pathogen)
2. White blood cells (lymphocytes) produce antibodies in response to the antigen
3. Memory cells are produced during this initial immune response
4. If the same pathogen enters the body again, memory cells recognise the antigen and respond more quickly
5. Antibodies are produced in large quantities rapidly enough to prevent the person becoming ill / destroying the pathogen before symptoms develop

## Key terms

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

## Related

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-how-vaccination-protects-a-person-93663bf5) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.