e-Bug Young Adult

1. Interactive vaccination myth slides e-BugYoung Adult Lesson Plan

2. e-Bug: Interactive vaccination myth slides The e-Bug interactive vaccination myth slides explore common myths and misconceptions about vaccinations, and provides students with answers to these questions. e-BugYoung Adult Lesson Plan

3. e-Bug: Myth 1 Many people believe that it is better to let our immune system fight an infection naturally, or that without getting infections our immune system will get weaker. But without vaccines you may get serious or even life-threatening infections. Do you think natural immunity is better? YES NO e-BugYoung Adult Lesson Plan

4. e-Bug: Myth 1 I agree. Although our immune system is designed to defend us from infection, it is not fool-proof and sometimes an infection can be fatal. To let your immune system 'give it a go' might end in very serious or fatal consequences. For example, bacterial meningitis and septicaemia can be prevented through vaccination, but the infections are always serious and can cause death. Just because your immune system is not fighting a life-threatening infection, doesn't mean it's getting weaker. You are exposed to millions of micro-organisms every day, and vaccines are only available for a fraction of micro-organisms out there. Your immune system is exposed to plenty of micro-organisms and so is not weakened by vaccination. Learn about a mum who chose not to vaccinate her daughter against measles, and the outcome of her choice. BACK NEXT e-BugYoung Adult Lesson Plan

5. e-Bug: Myth 1 I don't agree. Vaccinations are a lot safer than contracting serious or potentially life-threatening infections. Vaccines show vital 'information' about a disease in the form of antigens to your immune system so that it is prepared if you become exposed to the infection-causing pathogen. Vaccinations are active against only a tiny portion of the micro-organisms we come into contact with and scientists are still discovering new micro-organisms today. Your immune system is therefore exposed to plenty of other micro-organisms and so is not weakened by vaccination; there are even millions of micro-organisms in your gut! Learn about a mum who chose not to vaccinate her daughter against measles, and the outcome of her choice. BACK NEXT e-BugYoung Adult Lesson Plan

6. e-Bug: Myth 2 Many young people are concerned about the pain of a needle. Does this concern you? YES NO e-BugYoung Adult Lesson Plan

7. e-Bug: Myth 2 You answered yes. The needle will sting! Fear of needles is very common, but although needles can look scary, the sting from an injection lasts only a fraction of a second. The sting is minimised if you don't watch and look the other way. In contrast, the protection that vaccinations provide from serious infection is long lasting. The short-lived pain of a needle is far better than treatments that will be required if you were to have the actual infection. Talk to the health professional giving the vaccination, as they can help put your mind at ease. BACK NEXT e-BugYoung Adult Lesson Plan

8. e-Bug: Myth 2 You answered no. The sting of having an injection only lasts a fraction of a second and so there is no reason to fear the needle. The long term protection that vaccinations provide from serious illness is far more important than the pain of a temporary sting. If you have any concerns in the future, talk to the health professional giving the vaccination as they can help put your mind at ease. BACK NEXT e-BugYoung Adult Lesson Plan

9. e-Bug: Myth 3 Serious side effects from vaccinations are very rare but this is a concern for many people and it can sometimes stop them from having a vaccination. Are you concerned about side effects? YES NO e-BugYoung Adult Lesson Plan

10. e-Bug: Myth 3 You said you are concerned about side effects. It is common to get redness and swelling at the site of the injection, but this is a normal side effect from any injection and causes no harm. This reaction actually shows that your immune system is reacting well to the vaccine. More serious side effects are extremely rare. If you are concerned, you should discuss this with your GP or nurse and make a decision on vaccinations based on fact rather than fear. Remember, the severity of the disease can be far worse than side effects from the vaccination. Read more about vaccine side effects on NHS choices. BACK NEXT e-BugYoung Adult Lesson Plan

11. e-Bug: Myth 3 You said you aren't concerned about side effects. Minor side-effects like swelling, redness, and in some cases muscle aches are normal and usually only last a few days. This reaction actually shows that your immune system is reacting well to the vaccine. Serious side effects are extremely rare. Read more about vaccine side effects on NHS choices. BACK NEXT e-BugYoung Adult Lesson Plan

12. e-Bug: Myth 4 Some people think that they do not need vaccinations as they are so unlikely to get the infection. Do you think this might stop you having a vaccination? YES NO e-BugYoung Adult Lesson Plan

13. e-Bug: Myth 4 I agree. Infections that can be prevented by vaccination are rare because of vaccination. These infections have become rare because so many people in the population are protected from contracting and spreading the infection. However, not all vaccine-preventable infections are rare. For example, bacterial meningitis is still common among university freshers. We keep vaccine-preventable infections at bay through vaccinations. As more people are vaccinated against these infections, the spread of infection through the community is reduced, helping to protect yourself and others around you. This is called herd immunity. It is important that we continue to be vaccinated to maintain herd immunity. Everyone is susceptible to infection and so vaccinations are important for everybody, but they are especially important for people at greater risk of getting ill. This includes children, the elderly, immune compromised people and those with an existing illness. Learn more about herd immunity by watching the e-Bug animations here. BACK NEXT e-BugYoung Adult Lesson Plan

14. e-Bug: Myth 4 I don't agree. Infections that can be prevented by vaccination are rare because of vaccination. These infections have become rare because so many people in the population are protected from contracting and spreading the infection. Everybody is susceptible to infection and so it is important that everyone has vaccinations. Vaccinations are especially important for people at greater risk of getting ill including children, the elderly, immune compromised people and those with an existing illness. Having a vaccination also protects others around you as it reduces the spread of infection through the community. This is called herd immunity. Learn more about herd immunity by watching the e-Bug animations here. BACK NEXT e-BugYoung Adult Lesson Plan

15. e-Bug: Myth 5 Do you know how vaccinations are developed and tested before they are approved for incorporation into the national programme? This is a complicated process, which might make young people unsure about whether vaccinations are safe. Do you trust the developers of vaccinations and those who agree on the Vaccination Programme? YES NO e-BugYoung Adult Lesson Plan

16. e-Bug: Myth 5 You said you trust the developers of vaccinations. A vaccination is only introduced into the National Programme by Ministries of Health if it is proven to protect against infection and the benefits to the individual and the population have been fully assessed. The benefits of a vaccination must greatly outweigh any risks. A vaccination will not be introduced into the National Programme if there are any significant risks to individuals. Watch a video about the development of the rotavirus vaccine here. BACK e-BugYoung Adult Lesson Plan

17. e-Bug: Myth 5 You said you don't trust the developers of vaccinations. Vaccinations are fully assessed before being introduced into the National Programme. They are introduced by Ministries of Health only if they have been proven to protect against disease. The benefits and risks associated with each vaccination are assessed before approval. A vaccination will not be introduced into the National Programme if there are any significant risks to individuals. Watch a video about the development of the rotavirus vaccine here. BACK e-BugYoung Adult Lesson Plan