The Vaccine Education Center (VEC) offers a variety of programs and resources in addition to the Hilleman film.
Visit the Other Scientist Stories page to learn about historic discoveries in immunology, vaccinology and related fields made by scientists other than Dr. Hilleman.
Each year, the Maurice R. Hilleman Student Essay Contest offers students in grades 6 to 12 in the U.S. and Canada an opportunity to develop an essay based on a writing prompt, so they can compete for cash prizes and an invitation to a virtual celebratory event during which they have the opportunity to meet scientists and other STEM professionals. Check this section of the website to find out more about the timeline and rules and to see previous winning essays.
The VEC’s comprehensive website provides accurate, up-to-date information about vaccines and the diseases they prevent. Information about common vaccine safety concerns, vaccine science, and vaccine needs across the lifespan can be found on the site. The VEC also has a series of related programs, including the Vaccine Makers Project, Parents PACK program, Vax Pack Hero, and Vaccine Update for Healthcare Professionals.
The Vaccine Makers Project (VMP) website offers a variety of free classroom materials to educate about the immune system and how it works, diseases and their causes, and vaccines and the science behind them. Materials were developed with the additional goals of helping students understand the history and methods related to scientific progress and discovery, and to develop skills that will position them to critically evaluate science-based topics. All lessons are aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). The VMP website provides unique tools and resources for teachers and students that can also be utilized by public health professionals and health care providers such as the VMP Videos & Animations page, which features several excerpts from the Hilleman film.
The Center also offers a program for parents, called Parents PACK, that includes a monthly email newsletter about vaccines, unique resources such as a free mobile app, personal stories and more. Other projects include an online game, website and trading cards for children, called Vax Pack Hero, and an online trivia game –Just the Vax.
The VEC’s program for healthcare providers, Vaccine Update, includes programming and resources for healthcare providers.
