Introduction
Teen Ethan Lindenberger, the 18-year-old who famously got vaccinated against his mother’s wishes, has now become a prominent advocate for immunization. In this webtask, you are going to find out more about vaccinations. You are also going to watch a video about the devastating effects of measles, and you are going to learn more about the arguments of the anti-vaxxer movement. Finally, you are going to have a discussion (a role-play) with a classmate about whether it is a good idea to vaccinate, or not.
Exploration A
Go to https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/immunizations.html?ref=search
Read the text and individually answer the questions.
1 Do you know the meaning of the following words in italics? Write down the Dutch translations. Use a dictionary if necessary.
a measles, mumps and whooping cough
b quaint old illnesses
c together in close quarters
d get a jab in the arm
e check your health records
f chickenpox
g vaccines may cause side effects
h discuss any concerns
i people who dread shots
2 Welke twee andere woorden worden gebruikt voor ‘vaccinations’?
3 Waarom worden vooral tieners en studenten getroffen door deze ziekten?
4 Welke drie redenen worden gegeven voor het belang van vaccinaties?
5 Waarom is het voor Amerikaanse tieners/studenten belangrijk om een certificaat te hebben?
6 Zijn inentingen veilig, volgens deze site?
7 Welke mensen moeten oppassen met vaccinaties?
8 Wat kun je doen als je erg bang bent voor naalden, volgens deze site?
Exploration B
Measles cases are reaching alarming rates across the world. Why is this disease so dangerous? Watch this video and answer the questions:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0opgc1WoS4
1 What is measles and how does it spread?
2 How long does it take before you notice any symptoms?
3 How contagious is measles?
4 Which organs are affected by measles?
5 What are the symptoms of measles?
6 Why do people die of measles?
7 How is measles treated?
8 What is the message of this video?
Exploration C
Watch this video that tries to debunk myths about vaccinations:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b03U6BYF9L0.
Make a list of seven the anti-vaxxer arguments that are presented in this video.
Exploration D
Watch the debunking anti-vaxxers video again, listen carefully, and make notes of the counter arguments: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b03U6BYF9L0.
Final task
Now team up with a classmate. Have a discussion about whether or not vaccinations are a good idea.
1 Divide the roles: - One of you is an anti-vaxxer. You come up with at least three arguments against vaccinations (see Assignment C). - The other one thinks vaccinations are good and necessary. You try to debunk your classmate’s arguments (see Assignment D).
2 Prepare your role by making notes (use keywords only).
3 Have the discussion.
4 Now swap roles.