Helping Young People Become Youth Advocates for Immunization

Although childhood vaccines currently save about three million lives per year, better immunisation programmes could save about four million more. Diseases that commonly killed children only decades ago are now virtually unknown in many countries, yet most paretns and young people aren't fully aware of the benefits they receive from vaccination, or of the good they can do by learning more about vaccines and informing others.

Published in 2000, this 24-page publication aims to sketch out a role for teachers and youth group leaders in this endeavour. It contains practical ideas for teaching children and young adults about infectious disease, immunisation, and injection safety and for encouraging them to promote immunisation in their communities. Specifically, contents include a justification for why young people are so important in the effort, as well as activities and ideas for children ages 6 to 13 and young adults ages 14 to 18. For example, general tips to "make it fascinating!" include utilising music, videos (like "The Case of the Missing Shots"), and posters. Children, the publication asserts, are best reached through guest speakers, field trips to immunisation sessions, and games or contests. Young people might become advocates for immusation in their communities with the help of participatory learning activities. The publication also includes a resource section with questions and answers for children and young adults that address factual matters related to vaccination, as well as lists of relevant websites and reading materials.
English: PDF form, at the CVP site.
Francais: PDF form, at the CVP site.
Espanol: PDF form, at the CVP site.