Vaccination

Question 1

What are antigens?

Answer 1

Antigens are unique proteins found on the surface of cells. They’re used to identify different cells by the immune system.

Question 2

How do white blood cells target specific pathogens?

Answer 2

They produce specific antibodies that join up with antigens to destroy the particular pathogen.

Question 3

How does your body better resist pathogens after the first exposure?

Answer 3

Because your white blood cells already know what antibodies must be produced and so can deploy them much faster.

Question 4

How does your body better resist pathogens after the first exposure?

Answer 4

Because your white blood cells already know what antibodies must be produced and so can deploy them much faster.

Question 5

How do vaccines work?

Answer 5

Vaccines are injections containing a small amount of dead or inactive pathogen. This allows your immune system to learn the antibodies needed to target the specific antigen when it encounters the live pathogen.

Question 6

What is herd immunity?

Answer 6

Herd immunity is when the majority of a population is immune to a disease and so it cannot spread, even to those who aren’t immune.