Vaccine hesitancy is nothing new. Since the process was invented, there have been those who have denied their efficacy or necessity based on fear or the idea that traditions are superior to science. With the creation of Dr. Salk’s world-changing polio vaccine in the 1950s, the anti-vax movement has bade its time, placing doubt in people's minds with spurious claims of broad vaccine-induced disease and the idea that vaccination is unnatural or “impure.”
In the 80s and '90s, widespread claims of vaccines causing autism resulted in the blossoming of previously controlled childhood diseases such as mumps and measles in the 2000s and 2010s, and the necessity of a new breed of vaccine developed to fight the COVID-19 pandemic brought the movement to a head, breeding new figureheads like RFK Junior. Virulent: The Vaccine War examines the history of this movement and highlights its failures. Countering the arguments of antivax ignorance with multiple experts in the field of immunology and public health, Virulent: The Vaccine War seeks to inoculate the audience against the more common arguments and show the human cost of vaccine hesitancy.
I’ll get my critiques out of the way: Virulent is amateurish in its production, fails to substantially address racial inequities–as promised by the promotional material–, and delivers a bit of misinformation about Covid and Autism while trying to combat the claims of antivaxxers. These flaws, however, don’t devalue Virulent by much. Its exposé style and relatively extensive cast help to keep viewers engaged, and the analysis of the antivax movement through American history is incredibly valuable to those learning about public health or general practice. The DVD version of this educational health and wellness documentary includes a shorter 48-minute version of the film which would be perfect for classroom use. In all, Virulent: The Vaccine War is a useful resource for those teaching about public health or vaccine hesitancy. Recommended.
How can Virulent: The Vaccine War be integrated into public libraries’ collection development?
Virulent: The Vaccine War addresses a timely and historically significant topic—vaccine hesitancy. Adding this film to public library collections would support patrons interested in health education, public health history, and current societal challenges. It complements existing materials on immunology, public health, and misinformation, making it a valuable addition for both general audiences and students.
What college courses and majors could benefit from using Virulent: The Vaccine War?
This documentary would be highly relevant in:
- Public Health courses exploring vaccine efficacy, health communication, and the spread of misinformation
- History and Sociology classes analyzing the societal impact of scientific advancements and resistance to them
- Media Studies programs investigating the role of media in perpetuating or debunking myths
- Political Science courses examining public policy and health crises
The availability of a 48-minute classroom version makes it particularly useful for lectures and discussions.
How could Parks and Recreation programs use Virulent: The Vaccine War in their educational initiatives?
Parks and Recreation departments often host community health programs. Screening Virulent could serve as part of public health awareness campaigns, complemented by expert-led Q&A sessions. This approach could help demystify vaccine science and combat misinformation at the community level.
What are the Public Performance Rights (PPR) considerations for screening Virulent: The Vaccine War?
Institutions planning to host public screenings, such as libraries, schools, or Parks and Rec programs, must ensure they acquire PPR. These Public Performance Rights enable legal community or educational screenings, making the film accessible for larger audiences in compliance with copyright laws.
How could Virulent: The Vaccine War enhance special events on college campuses?
Virulent would be an excellent feature for events focused on:
- Public Health Week
- Health misinformation campaigns
- Multidisciplinary panels featuring health science, sociology, and communication experts
- Workshops for students in medical and health-related majors
Screenings could spark important discussions about vaccine hesitancy and the societal impact of misinformation.
Why is Virulent: The Vaccine War a strong candidate for movie licensing?
Given its focus on vaccine hesitancy and the history of public health challenges, Virulent has broad appeal for educational and community institutions. Licensing it allows libraries, schools, and community centers to use the film as a teaching tool, fostering informed dialogue on a critical and timely issue.