Vaccines: good or bad?

The benefits and risks of vaccination provide the topic for discussion at the next Irish Times/RDS Science Today lecture. Prof Kingston Mills of Trinity College Dublin will speak on the topic: Vaccines - are they good for you?

Many parents are reluctant to have their children vaccinated because of fears of side effects. There has been much speculation, but as yet no evidence, that the jab might increase the risk of autism.

Prof Mills with tackle this and other safety issues associated with vaccination in his public talk, which will deal with the subject in ordinary language without technical jargon.

Prof Mills has earned an international reputation for his 20-year contribution to immunology research. In recognition of his accomplishments, the Irish Society of Immunology has chosen Prof Mills as the recipient of the Society's inaugural annual award. It honours an Irish immunologist whose work has made a significant contribution to an area of relevance to health in Ireland.

Prof Mills will detail the risks of vaccines but also the benefits as parents consider whether to have their children treated. He will point out that un-vaccinated children are usually at much greater risk of disability and death than those who receive vaccines.

• The lecture takes place on Tuesday, May 14th at 7 p.m. in the RDS Concert Hall in Ballsbridge, Dublin. It is free and open to the public but places must be booked because of limits on space. Those wishing to book can contact Annette McDonnell, RDS science development executive, at 01-2407217 or by e-mail at Annette.McDonnell@rds.ie