Unit 2 - Science for the Needs of Society: Section 11.2

Prevention: Although the human body is very efficient at fighting disease, those working in the medical professions have developed vaccination, which can prevent diseases occurring in the first place. A mild or dead form of the infecting micro-organism is introduced. This causes white blood cells to produce antibodies. If the same organism later infects the individual it is recognised and the antibodies are produced quickly enough to destroy it.

Explain how vaccination protects humans from infection by specific microorganisms (MMR, TB, polio)

You should be able to use data, theories and explanations to:

• Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of being vaccinated against a particular disease
• Explain how the occurrence of some diseases has changed as a result of increased use of vaccinations