Evaluating the global use of vaccination
I can evaluate the benefits and risks of vaccinations, and explain the role herd immunity plays in reducing the spread of disease.
Evaluating the global use of vaccination
I can evaluate the benefits and risks of vaccinations, and explain the role herd immunity plays in reducing the spread of disease.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Vaccines have had a positive effect on public health (e.g. the eradication of smallpox).
- Vaccination is not risk free as it can have side effects, but the benefits outweigh the risks.
- New vaccines are trialled, and are only approved for use when the benefits of the vaccination outweigh the risks.
- It is necessary to vaccinate a high proportion of a population against a pathogen to provide herd immunity.
- Herd immunity helps protect those who can’t or won’t have the vaccination.
Common misconception
The MMR vaccination causes autism.
The study by Dr Wakefield is highly flawed, and has been discredited. Many subsequent studies have found no link between the MMR vaccination and autism. Measles is a highly infectious disease that can have devastating consequences.
Keywords
Vaccination - The process of administering a vaccine to an individual to create immunity to a pathogen.
Vaccine - A formulation that contains an inactive pathogen, or parts of it.
Immunity - Immunity is established after the body is first exposed to a pathogen's antigens, and enables white blood cells to respond quickly to the antigen when the body is re-exposed to it.
Risk - A possible negative outcome.
Herd immunity - When a high proportion of the population have been vaccinated against a disease, the spread is reduced and unvaccinated individuals may be protected.
Equipment
None required.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
a formulation containing an inactive pathogen
the process of injecting a formulation containing an inactive pathogen
long-lasting protection against a pathogen