Vaccine development and safety

Vaccines are considered one of the most effective public health achievements of the twentieth century. In the USA the incidence of most childhood vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) is at historic lows, while the number of diseases prevented by vaccines has increased steadily in the past few years. Development of vaccines is a complex, multistep process requiring the collaboration of multiple partners from basic science research through vaccine delivery and outcome monitoring. Advances in new sciences such as genomics, structural biology, novel adjuvant formulations, live vector vaccines, and computational studies have led to more detailed understanding of microbes and the host immune response. These advances offer great promise in the design of future generation of effective and safe vaccines against a host of infectious diseases. In addition, development of nontraditional vaccines against cancer, autoimmune disorders, and chronic diseases of ageing are currently being explored. Vaccine safety remains an integral component of the US immunization system involving several federal agencies such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other federal agencies working in close partnerships with vaccine resources in the public and private sectors. Despite significant advances, there are many scientific, implementation, and policy challenges to modern vaccine development. Educating the public about vaccines and vaccine preventable diseases is crucial to improve vaccine acceptance and use. A trusting relationship between patients, parents, and health care providers is a must to effectively communicate vaccine risk-benefit issues.