University of AntwerpContact: VAN DAMME Pierre, Professor & LEURIDAN Elke, Professore-mail : pierre.vandamme@uantwerpen.be; elke.leuridan@uantwerpen.be
Keywords : Vaccinology summer course
Aims of “ Summer School on vaccinology”
- Rationale, context and history of immunization;
- Key aspects of immunology
- Key aspects of vaccines
- Vaccine preventable diseases
- Immunisation policy and schedules
- Future perspectives
- Communication & Practical skills
During the training several teaching methods are used including different interactive teaching methods, lectures of experts, individual - and group works, group presentations as well as practical training.
Speakers:
Teaching Staff Vaccinology of the Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination, University of Antwerp.
An international selected companion of several teachers has been involved in the past in the summer school programme (University of Bristol, University of Padova, University of Athens, University of Florence, Public health England, WHO-Euro…). Speakers are invited based on their excellence.
Learning outcomes:
(A) Context and history: Outline the historical impact of vaccine preventable diseases; Discuss the rationale for implementing immunisation programmes; Explain concepts of control, elimination and eradication;
(B) Immunology: Explain innate and adaptive immunity, functions of B- and T cells, role of Ab and Ag, impact maternal Ab; Outline the role of immune response to a vaccine, active /passive vaccination, assess the capacity of immune system;
(C) Vaccines: Definition, components and function, different types of vaccines and their expected side effects and contraindications; Stages in vaccine development, procedures of safety control and monitoring of efficacy;
(D) Vaccines preventable diseases: Pathology, population at risk, available preventive measures for each disease;
(E) Policy and schedules: Vaccines in immunisation schedule; Show historical impact of vaccination on epidemiology ; Spread of infections, herd immunity, role of modelling, economic evaluation; Factors informing policy decisions; Role of disease surveillance, vaccination coverage data;
(F) Future: List new target diseases; Vaccines in the pipeline, new ways of administration; Current research on components and techniques; Discuss current developments for HIV, dengue, malaria, hepatitis C;
(G) Communication: Describe myths and facts relating to immunisation controversies, list common misconceptions, respond to objections of anti-vaccine movements; Critically evaluate media reporting, understand public perception; List key points for responding to parents’ fear; Ethics of communication; how to respond to anti-vaccine lobbies; State advantages and risks that need to be communicated; Direct to other information sources;
(H) Practical skills: immunization site, immunization techniques, vaccine reconstitution, cold chain, storage, conditions, prepare and dispose vaccine equipment, avoid needle stick injuries, recognize true contraindications, distinguish anaphylaxis and fainting.
Updated on April 9, 2019.
