Vaccines function through an elegant mechanism: we show the pathogen to the body; the body remembers it and is ready upon actual infection. But is it ever that simple??

This course will explore vaccines starting with immune responses and how they are considered for vaccine design. We will then consider this through the lens of the Czech children’s vaccination programme – which vaccines are offered and why. Students will get to design a vaccination programme and participate in various role-play exercises.

Topics included in the course:
1. How vaccines trigger immune responses
2. Vaccine design
3. Infectious diseases covered by public vaccination programmes
4. Vaccines against tropical infections
5. Understanding reluctance to vaccinate

No prior knowledge is required, and the course is completely beginner friendly. By the end of the course, students will be able to discuss how vaccines work and have a good understanding of vaccinations offered through public health programmes. Learnings from this course will be applicable if you choose a career in medicine, bioscience or even in every day life to understand how available vaccines work.