Summary

This module is intended for students who wish to develop their knowledge and understanding of  the principles of immunisation and communicable diseases and the setting up and evaluation of immunisation programmes.  The module, which focuses mainly on the UK childhood immunisation programme,  typically includes:  the scientific basis of national vaccine policy, immunology of immunisation, how vaccines are made, vaccine trials and safety monitoring, maternal vaccination, factors affecting uptake of vaccines and maximising uptake, discussing immunisation with parents, current issues in vaccine preventable diseases, consent and legal issues, monitoring immunisation programmes.  The module also includes sessions on examples of communicable disease epidemiology and management.

 

Learning Objectives and Outcomes

Students successfully completing this module  should be able to:

1. Discuss current issues in immunisation programmes.

2. Discuss issues in communicable diseases.

3. Describe the elements informing the implementation of immunisation programmes

4. Describe the elements of evaluation of immunisation programmes.

Who is this module for?

This is an optional module for the MSc Paediatrics and Child Health.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Teaching spans five consecutive days and is delivered via a hybrid model of face-to-face (where possible) and remote online learning, using a mix of synchronous (live) and asynchronous (in your own time) material. Teaching will be facilitated by relevant experts in their field.

Moodle, the UCL virtual learning platform will be used to facilitate communication both between tutors and students, and between the students themselves, and also to provide learning resources and feedback.

Assessment

This module will be assessed by a 3000 word essay. A group oral presentation (formative) at the end of the week on the same topic as the essay.

Selected Reading List 

This module's reading list is updated annually and is based on current journal articles and topics covered.