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Assess the use of vaccinations and the vaccination schedule - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 30 - 2023 - Paper 1
Question 30
Assess the use of vaccinations and the vaccination schedule. Use the data provided to support your answer.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Assess the use of vaccinations and the vaccination schedule - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 30 - 2023 - Paper 1
Step 1
Assess the use of vaccinations
Answer
Vaccinations are designed to trigger an immune response to a specific pathogen. They utilize a form of the pathogen or antigen that will not cause disease but will initiate the body's immune defenses. In the case of tetanus, the vaccine helps prevent infections and severe consequences associated with the disease. From the graph, we can see that individuals vaccinated at a younger age tend to have higher antibody levels. This indicates a well-functioning immune system that recognizes the tetanus pathogen and can respond effectively during exposure.
Step 2
Assess the vaccination schedule
Answer
The vaccination schedule shown in the graph highlights the timing of doses. The first dose is administered at an early age to develop a foundation of immunity, followed by booster shots to maintain antibody levels. The significant drops in antibody levels after certain time periods suggest that teens and adults require booster vaccinations to maintain immunity. Individuals over the age of 65 may experience diminished immunity due to age-related factors, making scheduled boosters crucial for this population to ensure continued protection against tetanus.