GCSE Biology (CCEA)

Topic Summaries

The immune system and drugs

Vaccination

  • Vaccination introduces a small amount of dead or inactive forms of a pathogen into the body:
    • This stimulates the production of antibodies.
    • If the pathogen enters the body again, memory lymphocytes will recognise the antigens of the pathogen and produce a larger number of specific antibodies faster.
    • The pathogen is destroyed before the person becomes ill.
  • Herd immunity is where the spread of pathogens can be reduced by immunising a large proportion of the population, meaning the disease is unlikely to spread.

Unlock Vaccination

Sign up to unlock the rest of this topic — plus every other topic, video, flashcard set and eBook guide in your SnapRevise+ subscription.

Cancel anytime — instant access the moment you sign up.

Previous The immune system Next Antibiotics