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All aboard the immune express! Bringing vaccine awareness to London King’s Cross train station

Engaging with the public at King's Cross station
Photo credit: Sam Lane Photography

Our Communication and Engagement Grant provides financial support to help BSI members develop and deliver activities to engage with the public in a wide range of formats. We recently supported members of the BSI London Immunology Group to arm themselves with a raft of fun and innovative materials and take to the concourse of one of London’s most bustling transport hubs.


In the last year there has been a resurgence in the number of measles cases in the UK, despite the illness reaching elimination status in 2023 (according to 2022 surveillance data). Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine provides long-term protection and is given to babies and young children as part of the NHS vaccination schedule. Despite this, uptake of the MMR is at a record low, with as many as 10% of children not being fully protected by school age. A recent large-scale outbreak in Birmingham and smaller outbreaks in London have prompted the initiation of an MMR ‘catch-up campaign’. London is one of three areas being specifically targeted by this campaign.

With support from a BSI Communication and Engagement Grant, members of the BSI London Immunology Group (BSI-LIG) took to London’s King’s Cross Railway Station to answer questions and discuss vaccines with members of the public. 

Fun and games

Armed with colouring and origami packs, immunology-themed children’s games and BSI vaccine pamphlets, we successfully engaged with over 180 people throughout the day. We strategically positioned ourselves next to the family waiting area, and many of our conversations were with parents of young children, who had genuine concerns and simply wanted to learn more about vaccines.

We engaged younger children with immunology-themed fun and games. This included a spinning wheel to find out which immune cell they were and how that immune cell protects them. 

We used the BSI’s ‘antibody challenge’ game, where the children had to find which colourful ‘germ’ interacted (via magnets) with which antibody to demonstrate antibody specificity. These children’s activities gave parents an opportunity to engage in conversation and raise questions or concerns regarding vaccinations with a member of the team. 

Older children and young adults were keen to know more about university degrees in immunology and relevant career pathways. The team had a great time talking passionately about the work they do, and inspiring the next generation of immunologists. 

For those running for their train, we had prepared activity packs with antibody-themed origami and colouring sheets, as well as pamphlets covering topics such as MMR, COVID-19 and polio vaccines, vaccination during pregnancy, a guide to childhood vaccination and careers in immunology. Several resources were accessible in no fewer than 15 languages!

Teamwork makes dreamwork

The event was conceived and organised by Katie Flaherty (BSI-LIG’s Public Engagement Lead), Dr Laura Pallett and Dr Louisa James with support from Chris Snowden-Smith (Careers and Public Engagement Officer at the BSI). BSI-LIG committee members from across London joined Katie on the day, running activities, answering questions and participating in discussions. Several members of the team had never participated in outreach work prior to this event.

Regardless of our level of prior experience of outreach, we all thoroughly enjoyed the activities and the opportunity to talk enthusiastically about vaccines and immunology with members of the public. Now that we have a winning formula, our plan is to hold similar events in train stations across London.

William Traves (Imperial College London), on behalf of the BSI London Immunology Group.

The team would like to thank Isabel Herrera from SpaceandPeople, without whom this event would not have been possible.

Find out more about all the BSI Regional & Affinity Groups here