Vaccines - what do we need to know?
Many research institutes have worked around the clock to create vaccines which can protect the public - but is the public convinced by both their safety and importance?2020 was a year like no other. COVID-19 has completely altered the way we live. It has taken lives, spread across the globe and has changed the way we worked.
Many research institutes worked around the clock to create vaccines which can protect the public – and many of these are now in the process of being deployed across the world. But, even with these vaccines now being released across the UK, is the public truly convinced by both the importance and safety of receiving these vaccines?
Even though we have received a lot of information from the media about the development of the various coronavirus vaccines, the public can still rightly have legitimate questions. With such a short period of research, how can we be sure enough due diligence and safety checks have happened? What about side-effects? Has there been adequate research into potential allergic reactions? There may also be some concern with new mutations and variants of the virus – what if the vaccines are rendered ineffective against new, potent and worrying strains of COVID-19?
These are valid questions, and we understand how worrying it can be against a backdrop of trying to fight a worldwide pandemic. LSBU organised a virtual event focussing on the vaccine, which allowed industry professionals (many of whom worked on the COVID-19 vaccines) to bring crucial information to the public about the process of creating vaccines, as well as answering concerns people may have about the general dosing and administering process.
Watch the full event below.
The full programme for the event was:
Vaccinations: A Pubic Health Perspective by Professor Jane Wills - Director of Research & Enterprise, Professor Health Promotion, London South Bank University
What are vaccines? An overview of COVID-19 and vaccine development by Dr Eiman Aleem - Associate Professor of Biomedical Science, London South Bank University
Developing and delivering, safe and effective vaccines by Dr Bryan Deane - Director for New Medicines and Data Policy, The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI)
Rehabilitation and recovery following serious illness related to COVID-19 by Alison James - Senior Lecturer, School of Health & Social Care, London South Bank University
What are the views of the clinically vulnerable and their healthcare team regarding COVID-19 vaccination? by Professor Nicola Thomas - Professor of Kidney Care, School of Health & Social Care, London South Bank University
Want to learn more?
If you want a career in laboratory-based biomedical research, pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, the following courses look will equip you with the relevant skills:
If you are interested in a career in Health, the Institute of Health and Social Care has an excellent reputation for delivering professional accredited health courses. We work with over 60 NHS trusts and partners, with courses spanning from Nursing and Midwifery to Allied Health and Social Care. With 50% of your training taking place on through onsite placements, you will use our state of the art facilities to learn in a safe environment so your fully prepared for the full-on placement experience. If you are ready to build the foundations for a long and worthwhile career in Health or Social Care, find out more about our courses below: