Vaccinations and their risks

Use of vaccinations in Iraq

Synopsis

This lesson plan reviews the medical provision made for troops serving in Iraq post Saddam Hussein, notably the implementation of a vaccination programme. Primary healthcare services in Iraq had been disrupted during the previous regime and communities no longer had immunity to malaria and other indigenous transmittable disease. Thus it was important that troops were immunised against possible disease.
The MOD has primary duty of care for troops and other UK personnel. During the course of this lesson students firstly learn how vaccines work and how resistance to disease is developed, then the differences between vaccination programmes in the developed and developing worlds and finally go on to consider the issues associated with providing a vaccination scheme to troops during times of political unrest or war.
Extension opportunities arise from discussion of the risks of vaccines and the ethics of offering vaccines to indigenous peoples that hitherto may not have been exposed to certain diseases. Students may consider which vaccinations they have had when travelling abroad or may wish to debate their understanding of the MMR vaccine.

MOD Topic

Use of vaccinations in Iraq

Curriculum Checklist

2.1d, e; 1.4a.

Curriculum Links

• English
• Geography
• Citizenship
• PSHE

Prior Knowledge

Causes of disease (infectious and non infectious).
Pathogens and viruses.
How the body protects itself including the production of antibodies.

Learning Outcomes

Lower ability students will:

• Understand (at a basic level) the role of vaccines and how they are administered.
• Be aware of the primary vaccines offered in the UK and some of those offered as standard overseas.
• Have an awareness of the MOD's 'Duty of Care' to military personnel.

Average ability students will:

• Understand the key risks and benefits associated with a vaccination programme.
• Be able to explain the process whereby vaccines help the body to develop immunity.
• Have an awareness of the MOD's 'Duty of Care' to military personnel.

Higher ability students will:

• Understand the difference between passive and active immunity.
• Understand the varying protection offered by different vaccines and why.
• Have an awareness of the MOD's 'Duty of Care' to military personnel.

Lesson code

SC4