Six-week vaccination course offered

Starting in April, Coursera will offer a six-week course on vaccination that will discuss various vaccines, vaccine safety, related risks, and common questions.

The course runs from April 13 through May 23 and is offered free of charge. Click here to register and for a detailed description of the six weeks of study.

Each week’s session will feature up to four short lectures (15 to 20 minutes) by Paul Offit, MD, director, Vaccine Education Center at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

“In light of recent outbreaks of infectious diseases and new developments in immunizations, everyone from parents to policy-makers have questions about vaccines,” the course description reads. “What's actually in a vaccine? Are vaccines effective? Are they safe?  Should a society require that all citizens get certain vaccines?”

The first week will discuss the history of vaccines, the second week will examine schedules and common questions, and the third week will look at vaccines and the media. The following weeks will analyze the Rotavirus vaccine, exemptions, and recent vaccines and outbreaks.

Those completing the course will earn a statement of accomplishment; the course is also eligible for a verified certificate.