Immunity - Vaccination

Question 1

What are ethical issues related to vaccines

Answer 1

Tested on animals before use on humans 
Animals have central nervous systems so feel pain 
Vaccine may not work 
Can have side effects 
Expensive

Question 2

What is the effect of antigen variability on disease

Answer 2

• Change in antigen shape (due to a genetic mutation)
• Not recognised by B memory cell → no plasma cells / antibodies
• Not immune
• Must re-undergo primary immune response → slower / releases lower concentration of
  antibodies
• Disease symptoms felt

Question 3

What is the effect of antigen variability on disease prevention

Answer 3

• Change in antigen shape (due to a genetic mutation)
• Existing antibodies with a specific shape unable to bind to changed antigens / form
  antigen-antibody complex
• Immune system i.e. memory cells won’t recognise different antigens (strain)

Question 4

What is a successful vaccination programme

Answer 4

Effective – make memory cells
- No major side effects → side effects discourage individuals from being
vaccinated
- Low cost / economically viable
- Easily produced / transported / stored / administered
- Provides herd immunity