In December 2020, when the Covid-19 vaccine became available to the public after less than one year of development, it had the distinction of being the most rapidly developed vaccine in history. The same month, Merriam-Webster announced that “vaccine” would be the word of the year for 2021. As the world awaited a vaccine against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, interest in vaccine-related topics, such as funding, development, distribution, and policy surged.
In this course, students will learn about the fundamental role of vaccines as a tool intended to improve public health and how this influences policy. Topics covered include vaccine regulation and monitoring; equity and access; individual decision-making; vaccine refusal and hesitation; advocacy and awareness- raising; and various state, federal, and organizational vaccine mandates. These mandates touch every sphere of personal and public life, including work, education, leisure activities, politics, and how healthcare practitioners interact with patients. Understanding vaccine policy will facilitate decision-making in these settings.
This course is ideal for laypersons and professionals alike. It can be useful for individuals concerned
about their families’ health; school administrators; municipal officials; community health advocates; and others. Lawyers, with other areas of expertise, looking to learn more about vaccine policy, as well as
medical students and allied healthcare professionals, will also find value in this course.
Welcome to this course, where we’ll explore the fundamentals of vaccines, vaccine policies, and the legal framework shaping them. It’s designed for a broad audience, including parents, caregivers, health advocates, professionals, and students in law and healthcare.
What's included
1 video3 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt
Show info about module content
1 video•Total 3 minutes
Introduction by Dr. Tony Yang •3 minutes
3 readings•Total 6 minutes
About This Course•2 minutes
Meet the Author•2 minutes
Getting Help & Accessibility•2 minutes
1 assignment•Total 2 minutes
Honor Code•2 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
Introductions•10 minutes
Vaccine Regulation and Equity
Module 2•2 hours to complete
Module details
This module covers the regulatory, economic, and public health aspects of vaccine development and distribution, including approval processes, safety monitoring, and intellectual property. It also examines challenges like funding, equity, and injury compensation, with insights from the COVID-19 pandemic and global initiatives like COVAX and WHO.
This module explores informed consent for vaccination, including its legal requirements, exemptions, and mandates. It also covers vaccine hesitancy, COVID-19 policies, and the legal responsibilities of parents, with insights into global vaccine strategies.
This module covers military immunization requirements, the PREP Act, and vaccine injury compensation through the CICP. It also examines misinformation management, workplace vaccine accommodations, and the link between cost-sharing and herd immunity.
Congratulations on completing the course! Take a moment to hear from the author summarizing the key concepts from the book. After the video, be sure to review the list of resources provided to help you continue your learning beyond this course.
In the heart of our nation’s capital with additional programs in Virginia, the George Washington University was created by an Act of Congress in 1821. Today, GW is the largest institution of higher education in the District of Columbia. The university offers comprehensive programs of undergraduate and graduate liberal arts study, as well as degree programs in nursing, medicine, public health, law, engineering, education, business and international affairs. Each year, GW enrolls a diverse population of undergraduate, graduate and professional students from across the country and around the world.
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.