I created a podcast about the MMR vaccination. I explore the pros and cons of the MMR vaccine through interviews with people, who are for and against it. I also outlined the reactions of those who may be affected by the decision of children being vaccinated before starting school, if the certificate rule is brought forward (e.g.- parents and scientists).

For the second part of my assignment, I shared my podcast on social media including Facebook and Media Hud, so that I could review people’s opinions on the topic and here is the feedback I received:

On Facebook, I received similar opinions from people. ‘Ben Clay’ believes that the jab is ‘incredibly safe’ however, he thinks that not having a vaccine shouldn’t affect a child’s education. ‘Maft Morley’ makes a valid point that there are children who can’t be vaccinated due to low immune systems and he comes across very passionate and serious about the topic.

All of the responses, I received from people on Media Hud showed that people were in favour of the MMR vaccination. ‘Donna Gwynn’ said that she vaccinated her own child, but she doesn’t like the fact that chemicals are being put into her sons’ body. However, she would rather give him have a small injection than him end up with the virus and be pumped with ‘medication’.

A few of the responses related back to fake news, for example ‘Oliver Eaton’ said that ‘The UK lost its measles free status’ which is concerning for the future of the NHS. ‘Annie Blackburn’ linked the jab to autism and said that it can cause ‘disabilities’. However, this was proven not, to be true. There was a study was conducted by Dr Andrew Wakefield in 1998, published in 'The Lancet'. Wakefield claimed that there was a link between the MMR vaccine and autism. However, there was no evidence of these links and he was struck off as a doctor. ‘Oliver Eaton’ believes that fake news like this contributed to parents not vaccinating their children.

Overall, 100% of the responses revealed that it should be compulsory for a child to be vaccinated before they go to school because it’s safer. However, some people believed that it should be the parent’s choice. ‘Louis Edwards’ who spent his nineteenth birthday with mumps recommends getting the vaccine, because it would prevent a ‘huge outbreak’ and its better for the wellbeing of children.