We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

How Vaccines Work

This course describes the underpinning science around vaccines and their development. It will look at the immunological underpinnings of how vaccines induce protection. It will also look at the epidemiological basis of how vaccines are rolled out. Finally it will explore how new vaccines are developed.

On successful completion of the course, learners will be able to:

1. Understand how the immune response mediates vaccine protection

2. Explain how vaccines enter public health programs

3. Demonstrate your understanding of the challenges for the generation of a vaccine against disease

On successful completion of the course, learners will be able to:

1. Understand how the immune response mediates vaccine protection

2. Explain how vaccines enter public health programs

3. Demonstrate your understanding of the challenges for the generation of a vaccine against disease

This is an intermediate series of courses intended for both clinical and non-clinical scientists who want to update their skills for work in clinical, academic, and pharmaceutical/bioscience industries, and is developed and delivered by experts working on viruses and novel vaccines.

To be successful in this series of courses, you should have basic knowledge in biology, genetics, microbiology or related fields.

Enroll now

Or subscribe to Coursera Plus

And get unlimited access to Coursera

Two deals to help you save

Save money when you learn. Here are two deals and offers that may be relevant to this course.

All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.

Valid until July 14

Coursera Plus Annual

Work toward what's next for your career with access to 10,000+ programs. Discover emerging skills and save.

Valid until August 30

Google AI App Builder

Learn how to use Gemini API and API Studio with a three-course series from Google DeepMind

What's inside

Syllabus

Immunology

Basic overview of the immune system. This will cover: what is the immune system, what is immune memory, why that is important for vaccines, the key cells of adaptive immunity and then how these all contribute to vaccine induced protection.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Teaches foundational knowledge around vaccines, their development, and deployment, which is useful for clinical and non-clinical scientists

Designed for intermediate learners, it provides an accessible path to understanding vaccines and their role in public health

Covers a range of topics, from the immunological basis of vaccine-induced protection to the epidemiological principles of vaccine deployment

Led by instructors with expertise in viruses and novel vaccines, ensuring the accuracy and relevance of the course content

Relies on basic knowledge in biology, genetics, microbiology, or related fields, making it suitable for a diverse audience of learners

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.

Save

Reviews summary

In-depth look at vaccine mechanisms

According to learners, "How Vaccines Work" offers a comprehensive and well-structured overview of vaccine science. Many found the explanations of complex immunological concepts clear and easy to grasp, making it suitable for professionals seeking an update. The instructor's expertise and the inclusion of up-to-date content on new vaccine challenges are frequently praised, indicating the course's relevance. While some with extensive prior knowledge found parts of the immunology section too basic for an 'intermediate' course, it is widely considered a strong foundation or excellent refresher, particularly the modules on public health programs and clinical trials.

Serves as an excellent starting point or knowledge update.

"A solid course covering key aspects of vaccine science... a good foundational course."

"It serves as an excellent refresher for those in the medical field or a comprehensive introduction for non-clinical scientists."

"This greatly enhanced my understanding of vaccine programs."

The instructor's knowledge and clarity are highly regarded.

"The instructor explained complex immunological concepts with such clarity..."

"The instructor's expertise shines through."

"The instructor's ability to simplify without losing accuracy was commendable."

Particular modules are highlighted for their depth and relevance.

"I especially appreciated the module on how vaccines enter public health programs; it was very insightful and relevant to my work."

"The 'Bench to bedside' module was particularly strong, detailing the clinical trial process. I found the practical insights...very valuable."

"The real-world challenges discussion was particularly engaging. As someone working in public health, this greatly enhanced my understanding of vaccine programs."

Course content is current and highly relevant.

"The updated content on new vaccine challenges, especially post-COVID-19, made it feel very current."

"This course provided a fantastic and timely exploration of vaccines. The real-world challenges discussion was particularly engaging."

"The content is up-to-date and the lectures are delivered clearly. As someone working in public health, this greatly enhanced my understanding..."

Complex scientific topics are made understandable.

"The instructor explained complex immunological concepts with such clarity, making them easy to grasp."

"An incredibly informative course. The breakdown of complex topics into understandable segments was a huge plus. The instructor's ability to simplify without losing accuracy was commendable."

"The lectures are clear and the information is well-presented. I liked how complex topics were made understandable."

Some found it an overview, requiring additional study for depth.

"The explanations felt a bit high-level for an 'intermediate' course, and I often needed to supplement with external readings."

"While I appreciated the explanations, some parts felt a bit surface-level given the 'intermediate' tag. It's a great starting point, but I'll need to seek more advanced resources for deeper understanding in specific areas."

The 'intermediate' level's depth varies, impacting expectations.

"The immunology section was too basic and I felt it didn't align with the 'intermediate' label. I already knew most of it."

"Very basic content. I already know this from my undergraduate degree. ... Don't waste your time if you have any prior knowledge in this field."

"I felt the initial immunology section could have been a bit more challenging for someone with a biology background, but it's probably good for those new to the specifics."

"Some parts felt a bit surface-level given the 'intermediate' tag. It's a great starting point, but I'll need to seek more advanced resources for deeper understanding."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in How Vaccines Work with these activities:

Re-familiarize yourself with basic biology

Show steps

Review basic biological principles to strengthen your foundation for understanding immunology, epidemiology, and vaccine development.

Browse courses on Biology

Show steps

Go through your old high school biology notes
Take a biology refresher course online

Compile a collection of resources on vaccines

Show steps

Organize and gather valuable materials to support your learning journey, creating a comprehensive reference for future use.

Browse courses on Vaccines

Show steps

Gather articles, videos, and other materials related to vaccines
Categorize and organize the resources for easy retrieval

Summarize key concepts in vaccines

Show steps

Enhance your comprehension and retention by summarizing and explaining key concepts in the course.

Browse courses on Vaccines

Show steps

Write short summaries of each module's key points
Create a visual representation of the immune response

Six other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all nine activities

Analyze vaccine case studies

Show steps

Deepen your understanding of vaccine implementation and effectiveness by examining real-world examples.

Browse courses on Vaccines

Show steps

Read and analyze research papers on vaccine case studies
Discuss case studies in online forums or with classmates

Form a study group for vaccines

Show steps

Collaborate with peers to deepen your understanding and prepare for coursework through discussions and knowledge exchange.

Browse courses on Vaccines

Show steps

Find classmates with similar interests or schedules
Meet regularly to discuss course materials and concepts
Quiz each other and provide feedback

Volunteer at a vaccination clinic or outreach program

Show steps

Gain practical experience and contribute to public health by volunteering in a vaccination setting.

Browse courses on Vaccines

Show steps

Contact local vaccination clinics or outreach programs
Offer your assistance with tasks such as registration or vaccine administration

Explore additional resources on vaccine development

Show steps

Expand your knowledge and learn from experts in the field by exploring supplementary tutorials and resources.

Browse courses on Vaccines

Show steps

Identify reputable websites and online courses
Follow tutorials on specific aspects of vaccine development

Design a hypothetical vaccine for a specific disease

Show steps

Apply your knowledge and creativity to a real-world scenario by designing a vaccine and outlining its development and implementation.

Browse courses on Vaccines

Show steps

Research the disease's characteristics, epidemiology, and target population
Identify potential vaccine candidates and evaluate their suitability
Design a clinical trial plan to test the vaccine's safety and efficacy

Develop a proposal for a vaccine research project

Show steps

Embark on a project that challenges your understanding and encourages you to apply your knowledge in a research setting.

Browse courses on Vaccines

Show steps

Identify a research question related to vaccines
Develop a research design and methodology
Prepare a grant proposal outlining your research plan

Career center

Learners who complete How Vaccines Work will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Virologist

A Virologist studies viruses and their impact on humans, animals, and plants. They may also develop vaccines and antiviral drugs to prevent and treat viral infections. This course would be particularly relevant to Virologists because it provides a comprehensive overview of the immunological underpinnings of how vaccines induce protection. It also covers the epidemiological basis of how vaccines are rolled out and explores how new vaccines are developed.

See salaries and explore the career path for Virologist

Immunologist

An Immunologist studies the immune system and its role in health and disease. They may also develop new vaccines and immunotherapies to prevent and treat diseases. This course would be particularly relevant to Immunologists because it provides a comprehensive overview of the immune response and how vaccines mediate vaccine protection.

See salaries and explore the career path for Immunologist

Epidemiologist

An Epidemiologist studies the distribution and patterns of health events and diseases in populations. They may also develop and implement public health programs to prevent and control diseases. This course would be particularly relevant to Epidemiologists because it provides a comprehensive overview of the epidemiological basis of how vaccines are rolled out and explores how new vaccines are developed.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

Vaccine Scientist

A Vaccine Scientist develops and tests vaccines to prevent and treat diseases. They may also work on the production and distribution of vaccines. This course would be particularly relevant to Vaccine Scientists because it provides a comprehensive overview of the immunological underpinnings of how vaccines induce protection, the epidemiological basis of how vaccines are rolled out, and how new vaccines are developed.

See salaries and explore the career path for Vaccine Scientist

Public Health Physician

A Public Health Physician works to prevent and control diseases and promote health in communities. They may also develop and implement public health policies and programs. This course would be particularly relevant to Public Health Physicians because it provides a comprehensive overview of the immunological underpinnings of how vaccines induce protection, the epidemiological basis of how vaccines are rolled out, and how new vaccines are developed.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Physician

Medical Scientist

A Medical Scientist conducts research to understand the causes and treatments of diseases. They may also develop new drugs and treatments. This course would be particularly relevant to Medical Scientists because it provides a comprehensive overview of the immunological underpinnings of how vaccines induce protection and explores how new vaccines are developed.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Scientist

Biomedical Engineer

A Biomedical Engineer designs and develops medical devices and technologies. They may also work on the production and distribution of medical devices. This course may be useful to Biomedical Engineers because it provides a comprehensive overview of the immunological underpinnings of how vaccines induce protection and explores how new vaccines are developed.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biomedical Engineer

Pharmacist

A Pharmacist dispenses medications and provides advice on their use. They may also work in research and development of new drugs and treatments. This course may be useful to Pharmacists because it provides a comprehensive overview of the immunological underpinnings of how vaccines induce protection and explores how new vaccines are developed.

See salaries and explore the career path for Pharmacist

Science Writer

A Science Writer communicates complex scientific information to the public. They may write for newspapers, magazines, websites, or other media outlets. This course may be useful to Science Writers because it provides a comprehensive overview of the immunological underpinnings of how vaccines induce protection, the epidemiological basis of how vaccines are rolled out, and how new vaccines are developed.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Writer

Health Educator

A Health Educator develops and implements educational programs to promote health and prevent disease. They may also work in schools, community centers, or other settings. This course may be useful to Health Educators because it provides a comprehensive overview of the immunological underpinnings of how vaccines induce protection and the epidemiological basis of how vaccines are rolled out.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Educator

Policy Analyst

A Policy Analyst conducts research and analysis to inform public policy. They may work for government agencies, think tanks, or other organizations. This course may be useful to Policy Analysts because it provides a comprehensive overview of the epidemiological basis of how vaccines are rolled out and explores how new vaccines are developed.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Clinical Research Coordinator

A Clinical Research Coordinator manages clinical trials and studies. They may also work on the development and implementation of new drugs and treatments. This course may be useful to Clinical Research Coordinators because it provides a comprehensive overview of the immunological underpinnings of how vaccines induce protection and explores how new vaccines are developed.

See salaries and explore the career path for Clinical Research Coordinator

Quality Assurance Manager

A Quality Assurance Manager ensures that products and services meet quality standards. They may work in a variety of industries, including pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and healthcare. This course may be useful to Quality Assurance Managers because it provides a comprehensive overview of the immunological underpinnings of how vaccines induce protection and explores how new vaccines are developed.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Manager

Regulatory Affairs Specialist

A Regulatory Affairs Specialist ensures that products and services comply with government regulations. They may work in a variety of industries, including pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and healthcare. This course may be useful to Regulatory Affairs Specialists because it provides a comprehensive overview of the immunological underpinnings of how vaccines induce protection and explores how new vaccines are developed.

See salaries and explore the career path for Regulatory Affairs Specialist

Patent Attorney

A Patent Attorney helps clients obtain and protect patents for their inventions. They may also work on patent litigation and other intellectual property matters. This course may be useful to Patent Attorneys because it provides a comprehensive overview of the immunological underpinnings of how vaccines induce protection and explores how new vaccines are developed.

See salaries and explore the career path for Patent Attorney

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in How Vaccines Work.

Plotkin's Vaccines

Save

The long awaited 7th Edition of this book provides comprehensive and up-to-date coverage of both individual vaccines and the current general principles of vaccination and vaccine immunology.

Plotkin's Vaccines (Vaccines (Plotkin))

Hardcover

$$$$

Plotkin's Vaccines (Vaccines (Plotkin))

Hardcover

$$$$

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Save

Compiles emerging diseases and provides up-to-date information on the most recent outbreaks of these diseases with guidance on the best way of managing and preventing them.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Paperback

Check price

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Kindle Edition

Check price