Vaccines have prevented millions of cases of infectious disease in the U.S. and are considered one of public health?s greatest achievements. Despite this, childhood and adolescent vaccine administration have become significant topics of controversy in the U.S. and other developed countries. This controversy and the anti-vaccine movement that has arisen from it threaten the health of communities and populations. PUB 430 is an exploration of various vaccine-preventable illnesses and the vaccines that were developed to protect populations from these devastating diseases. The historical burden, clinical manifestations and epidemiology of these diseases will be explored. The course will take an in-depth look at how vaccines work, how they are developed, how the safety of vaccines are monitored, and current vaccination laws. The course will conclude by delving into the vaccine controversy and the arguments brought forth by competing sides. Students will be prepared to create and deliver public health messaging to dispel vaccine myths with facts, data, and science.
