Topic 9.5
Key Concepts
- A series of phases involving human participants to test vaccine safety, dosage, and effectiveness.
- The process by which vaccines are assessed and licensed by bodies like the TGA.
- Continuous monitoring of vaccines after approval to identify rare side effects and ensure long-term safety.
Summary
Vaccines are developed through a step-by-step process that includes rigorous testing and evaluation. Even after approval, vaccines are monitored to ensure they remain safe and effective.
This extensive process protects public health and maintains trust in vaccination programs.
Extension Activities
Go to the AusVaxSafety website and click on COVID-19 vaccines
Look at the “Data at a glance” information
Discuss
1. Where are most of the people completing the survey from? Why do you think that might be?
2. Look at the number of people reporting at least one adverse event and the number reporting having to visit a GP or ED. What do you think these statistics mean? Are you surprised by the results?
3. Who do you think would be interested in this information? Why would this information be useful to those people?