Why are polio vaccinations effective? (A) They cause an inflammation response resulting in the production of antibodies that engulf the polio virus if it enters the body - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 5 - 2008 - Paper 1

Polio vaccinations are effective primarily because they stimulate an immune response that produces memory B cells. These cells are crucial for providing long-term immunity, as they 'remember' the specific polio virus. Upon re-exposure to the virus, memory B cells can quickly produce antibodies, leading to a rapid and effective immune response that neutralizes the virus before it can cause illness.