Vaccine Information for Educators
This learning module was designed to educate students about the immune system, vaccines and the diseases that vaccines prevent. Upon completion of the module, students should understand the scientific concepts surrounding these topics and be better consumers of science and health information.
Learning Module Objectives
- To foster students’ ability to think critically about what they have read
- To help students understand the effects of scientific discoveries on their own lives
- To encourage students to take responsibility for learning about their own health
The module consists of three lessons:
The Immune System
Lecture notes and activities: Designed to introduce students to the function of the immune system and some of its parts. The notes cover T cells, B cells and antibodies.
This lesson may satisfy the following:
- National Science Education Content Standards for Unifying concepts and processes in science related to systems, order and organization as well as form and function; content standard C - Life Sciences.
- Pennsylvania secondary standard for Biological Sciences 3.1.12A6: Analyze how cells in different tissues/organs are specialized to perform specific functions
Vaccines
Lecture notes and activities: Help students identify the vaccines that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends for infants, children, teens, and adults.
This lesson may satisfy the following:
- National Science Education Content Standards for Unifying concepts and processes in science related to systems, order and organization as well as form and function; content standard F – Science in personal and social perspectives and content standard G – History and nature of science standards.
- Pennsylvania secondary standard 3.8.12.C2: Analyze scientific and technological solutions through the use of risk/benefit analysis. The lesson may apply to the concept of science in personal and social perspectives and personal and community health.
Vaccine-preventable Diseases
Lecture notes and activities: Focus on the diseases prevented by vaccines and include information on routes of transmission, signs and symptoms, and complications.
This lesson may also satisfy the following:
- National Science Education Content Standards for Unifying concepts and processes in science related to systems, order and organization as well as form and function; content standard F – Science in personal and social perspectives and content standard G – History and nature of science standards
- Pennsylvania secondary standard 3.8.12.C2: Analyze scientific and technological solutions through the use of risk/benefit analysis. The lesson may apply to the concept of science in personal and social perspectives and personal, community and global health challenges.
Unit test, module evaluation, and articles
This module also includes a unit test, module evaluation and articles intended to encourage critical thinking about HPV vaccination, a much-discussed issue that is particularly relevant to students (found in “Additional Resources”).
In addition, you'll find helpful information for students interested in pursuing a career in science.
The Vaccine Education Center would like to acknowledge intern, Kelly Francis, for her hard work and dedication in completing these modules.
Reviewed by: Paul A. Offit, MD
Date: March 2012
Materials in this section are updated as new information and vaccines become available. The Vaccine Education Center staff regularly reviews materials for accuracy.
You should not consider the information in this site to be specific, professional medical advice for your personal health or for your family's personal health. You should not use it to replace any relationship with a physician or other qualified healthcare professional. For medical concerns, including decisions about vaccinations, medications and other treatments, you should always consult your physician or, in serious cases, seek immediate assistance from emergency personnel.
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- Parents PACK
- Vaccine Update for Healthcare Providers