After watching ‘Jabbed: Love, Fear and Vaccines’ answer the following questions:

1. What are some examples of the earliest forms of vaccination?

Examples of the earliest forms of vaccination include variolation, inoculation and Jenner’s
method of vaccination.
2. Why can’t some people be vaccinated?

Different vaccines contain different components, and each vaccine can affect people

differently. Factors such as age, health conditions, and other factors combine to determine if a
person should get each vaccine. Additionally, some people believe that their immune systems
are strong enough to deal with diseases, however, this is a widely held misconception.

3. What is herd immunity?

Herd immunity is when the majority of a population is vaccinated and as a result most
infections won’t take hold and entire communities are protected. However, if
vaccination rates are too low, communities become vulnerable.

4. What is the difference between active and passive immunity?

The difference between active and passive immunity is that active immunity is developed due
to the production of antibodies in the body, while passive immunity is developed by
antibodies that are produced outside and then introduced into the body.

5. Most people who contract measles or polio have minor flu like symptoms. Why do we
still vaccinate everyone against these diseases?

The flu, polio and measles are all diseases which co-evolve with us. This means that
as we develop medicines and vaccines, these diseases become more dangerous and
contagious. As a result, we need to take precautions and make sure that we are
vaccinated against these evolving diseases. Additionally, when a majority of a
population is vaccinated, most infections won’t take hold and entire communities are
protected. But if vaccination rates are too low, communities become vulnerable.

6. If vaccines are so effective, why do medical professionals recommend that people get
the flu shot every year?
The most common strains of the virus that cause influenza change every year.
The vaccine also changes every year to match these strains. Thus, in order to protect
ourselves we need to take the flu shot every year.
 7. Looking at the NSW Immunisation Schedule (linked on Canvas), how many different
diseases is a person protected from by the time they get their final shots in Year 10?
A person would be protected from around 14 different disease by the time they get their final
shots in year 10. These include:
1. Meningococcal ACWY
2. Human papillomavirus
3. Diphtheria
4. tetanus
5. pertussis
6. polio
7. Haemophilus influenzae type b
8. Measles
9. mumps
10. rubella
11. varicella
12. Pneumococcal
13. hepatitis B
14. Rotavirus

8. Imagine you have been invited to speak at a debate. The topic is: “Vaccines are a
necessary part of healthcare in Australia”. You don’t know if you will be on the
affirmative or negative side. Prepare some talking points (backed up with evidence)
for each side of the argument. Aim for at least three good points for each side.

AFFIMATIVE NEGATIVE

Vaccines protect children and other people Vaccines can cause serious and sometimes
from disease. Immunization and vaccines fatal side effects. All vaccines carry a risk of
currently prevent 2-3 million deaths every a life-threatening allergic reaction
year. (anaphylaxis) in about one per million
children.
Vaccines protect most people through herd
immunity. Herd immunity is when the
majority of a population is vaccinated and Vaccines contain harmful ingredients. Some
as a result most infections won’t take hold physicians believe thimerosal, an organic
and entire communities are protected. mercury compound found in trace amounts
in one flu vaccine for children and other
Vaccines are safe and effective. vaccines for adults, is linked to autism.
Research and testing are an essential part of
developing safe and effective vaccines. The pharmaceutical companies should not
In Australia, every vaccine must pass strict be trusted to make and regulate safe
safety testing before the TGA will register it vaccines. The primary goal of
for use. Approval of vaccines can take up to pharmaceutical companies is to sell drugs
10 years. Additionally, before vaccines and make a profit.
become available to the public, they are
tested on thousands of people who take part
in large clinical trials.