# 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

## 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

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

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/vaccination-is-used-to-protect-individuals-99cf5108) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.