# Explain how vaccination protects both an individual and the wider population from a communicable disease.

> Eduqas GCSE Biology — 3.1 Health and disease · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Vaccine contains weakened/dead pathogens or antigens from the pathogen
2. The immune system produces antibodies / white blood cells respond, creating memory cells
3. If the individual is exposed to the real pathogen, memory cells allow a faster/greater antibody response so the person does not become ill
4. When a large proportion of the population is vaccinated, the pathogen cannot spread easily (herd immunity), protecting unvaccinated individuals

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Biology](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-vaccination-protects-both-an-4af5e839) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.