Immunisation - The Great Debate 

Topic 1: Vaccination is the most effective means to prevent infectious diseases.

There is an obvious temporal association between the decline in infectious diseases and the introduction of immunisation.  But are vaccinations responsible for the decline?  Many argue that vaccinations were not responsible for the decline and may even contribute to an increased risk of disease.  These websites provide overviews of vaccination.

WHO response to common "misconceptions"

Further responses to misconceptions

Vaccinations critiqued

Topic 2: Vaccine safety: misconceptions v the hidden truth.

While some adverse events are clearly associated with vaccination, there is debate over the relationship between vaccination and various diseases including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), diabetes, Crohn's disease and autism.  Examine the cases for and against these associations.

Autism, the Measles Mumps & Rubella Vaccine, and A New Look at an Old Story

Diabetes and Vaccines and chronic illness including diabetes

WHO response to common "misconceptions"

Vaccinations critiqued

Topic 3: Pertussis – are we doing enough or too much?

Concern about side effects from pertussis immunisation has remained despite reassurances from health bodies that the risks are acceptable.  As a result of increasing rates of pertussis, the use of pertussis vaccination is being further extended.  Should we persist in pertussis vaccination?

Overview of pertussis (.pdf file)
 
Summary of pertussis vaccination

Topic 4: Eradication of polio – is it worth the risk?

The goal of the WHO is the eradication of poliomyelitis by the year x.  Yet in countries like the USA, the side effects of polio immunisation has lead to a reconsideration of the appropriateness of current polio immunisation programs.  Is global eradication a realistic goal and at what price?

Overview of poliomyelitis (.pdf file)

WHO global eradication of polio

Summary of polio vaccination

Concerns with polio vaccination

Topic 5: Measles vaccination is more harmful than the disease

Measles is usually considered a mild childhood illness with little risk of severe complications.  Complications of measles vaccination are well established - do the risks of vaccination outweigh the benefits?

Overview of measles (.pdf file)
 
Summary of measles vaccination