Vaccination is used to protect individuals against transmissible diseases. Explain how vaccination provides long-lasting immunity against a specific pathogen.

Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) — 10.1 Diseases and immunity · Explain · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (4 marks)

The vaccine contains a dead or attenuated pathogen, or its antigens. These antigens stimulate lymphocytes to produce specific antibodies. Memory cells are produced and remain in the body. If the same pathogen enters again, memory cells recognise the antigen and produce antibodies more quickly, preventing disease.

Examiner tips

  • Use the exact wording from the mark scheme (e.g. "dead or attenuated pathogen"),
  • Show the sequence: vaccine → antigen → lymphocyte → antibody + memory cells → rapid response on re‑exposure
  • Keep the answer concise – 4 points only, no extra explanation

Common mistakes

  • Mixing up antibodies with memory cells,
  • Omitting the word "antigen" or describing the vaccine as live only
  • Using vague terms like "immune response" instead of the specific steps

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. The vaccine contains a dead or attenuated (weakened) pathogen, or its antigens
  2. The antigens on the pathogen stimulate lymphocytes to produce specific antibodies
  3. Memory cells are produced and remain in the body
  4. If the same pathogen enters the body again, memory cells recognise the antigen and produce antibodies more quickly, preventing disease

Key terms in this question

vaccination

Related

More Diseases and immunity questions

▶ Try answering this question with AI marking (free) →