Tuesday June 10, 2025

2025 Day of Immunology - Member Report

The Great Vaccination Debate Draws Crowds at University of New England

Authors: Lauren Grzazek, Providence Rockloff, Fleur Steen, Natkunam Ketheesan
University of New England

It was standing room that greeted the late arrivals to the Lewis Lecture Theatre on April 29th as over 150 people packed into the University of New England (UNE) venue - an uncommon sight in the post-COVID era. The occasion? The Great Vaccination Debate, held to mark the Day of Immunology, continuing UNE's Australian and New Zealand Society for Immunology (ASI) members triennial tradition of public awareness sessions on immune health.

Co-sponsored by the ASI and the School of Science & Technology, the debate tackled the controversial question: “Should childhood vaccinations be made mandatory in Australia?”. Professor Natkunam Ketheesan opened the proceeding with an overview of the immune system and the basics of vaccination, setting the stage for the debate teams to engage a diverse audience that included high school students, undergraduates, and university staff. Six first-year medical students, divided into Affirmative and Negative Teams, demonstrated impressive command on immunological concepts – a particularly notable effort given they had received only four hours of formal lectures on infectious disease and immunology since the semester began. Both sides presented compelling scientific evidence while addressing the growing challenge of vaccine hesitancy fuelled by the spread of misinformation. 

The Affirmative Team argued that mandatory childhood vaccination is essential to protect vulnerable populations, increase access to immunisation, and reduce the burden on Australia’s healthcare system. They contended that voluntary uptake is no longer sufficient amid rising vaccine hesitancy. While the Negative Team argued persuasively against mandatory vaccination, advocating instead for improved public health education to combat hesitancy and encourage voluntary uptake. They emphasised that better access to accurate information could naturally increase vaccination rates and strengthen herd immunity without resorting to coercion. 

As arguments and counterarguments flowed, a panel of judges from UNE’s Schools of Law, Medicine, and Science & Technology faced the difficult task of selecting a winner. The spirited debate left attendees contemplating the central question long after the debate concluded, with arguments from both teams provoking thought amongst the audience. 

The event exemplified how academic discourse can illuminate complex public health issues, demonstrating that even complex immunological concepts can be made accessible and engaging when presented through thoughtful debate. As for the question of whether or not childhood vaccination should be made mandatory in Australia…the conversation is far from over…

Authors: Lauren Grzazek, Providence Rockloff, Fleur Steen, Natkunam Ketheesan

Disclaimer: The views expressed are those of the author/s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ASI