1. Helping the immune response
Which disease is this and why is it so relevant?

2. Learning objectives
To understand how the immune response can be helped by vaccination.
To appreciate the role of vaccination in countering infectious disease.
To debate the ethical concerns surrounding vaccination.
To evaluate different arguments.

3. Eradicating smallpox Variolation: Lady Wortley Montagu
Vaccination: Edward Jenner
Cowpox
WHO campaign (student video about the history of smallpox and vaccination)

4. How it works
A weak or dead strain containing antigens is injected into the person.
The immune system recognises and develops antibodies to the antigen.
The capacity for antibody production is conserved in memory cells.
Body is prepared to fight real infection if it attacks.

5. Controversy
Many children are routinely vaccinated for a wide range of infectious diseases:
Can you name them?

6. Reality No vaccine is 100% safe
There is always the possibility of mild or even, in very rare cases, severe side effects.
Vaccination of over 85% of the population is considered necessary to prevent epidemics.
The more people who are vaccinated, the less likely it is a diseased person will encounter an unvaccinated person and spread the disease.
Some disease mutate very quickly rendering vaccines less effective. We need a new flu vaccine every couple of years.

7. Read the two articles on vaccination and autism
What do you think?
Read the two articles on vaccination and autism
Is the problem vaccines themselves or the policies of some governments?
Is this debate fed by the policies of US health rather than by a real genuine danger?

8. Debate – should vaccinating your child be compulsory

9. Learning objective To develop debating skills
To encourage critical evaluation of arguments
To develop skills in spoke English.

10. Debate Preparation (homework)
Split the class into two teams
Team 1 will provide an argument to support vaccines
Team 2 may be completely opposed or may simply challenge current policy.
Make a list of facts supporting your point of view.
Look up arguments to support your point of view.
Familiarise yourself with opposing arguments as well
Identify roles : Proposer, Seconder
Make a list of supporting points
All people not directly involved in the presentations must be able to ask and answer questions as part of the debate. Be prepared!
There is some supporting documentation on blackboard