Whooping Cough Vaccines: A Century of Good Science and Bad with Dr David Miles

Join us for a fascinating exploration of the whooping cough vaccine, a tale spanning a century marked by triumphs and trials. 🌍💉

A hundred years ago, whooping cough claimed the lives of more than one in every hundred children in Europe. Fast forward to eighty years ago, when two dedicated women in Grand Rapids, Michigan, developed a groundbreaking vaccine, with countless healthcare volunteers and local business donations backing their cause. 🤝

However, fifty years ago, this lifesaving vaccine found itself at the heart of a scare that contributed to the rise of the modern antivaccine movement. This event dives into how the journey of the whooping cough vaccine showcases both good science and bad, highlighting the complexities of applying scientific principles to human health.

Meet Dr. David Miles, an expert in infectious disease immunology, who dedicated ten years to studying immunity and vaccines across Africa. He now teaches at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and has authored popular science books such as How Vaccines Work (2023) and Sneeze: The History and Science of the Common Cold (2026).

📍 Location: 2 Norfolk Street, CB1 2LF Cambridge

Book your ticket now to confirm your attendance — space is limited!