Vaccinations: yes or no?

Introduction

Back to school means it's time for physicals and vaccinations ...

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.