Despite Vaccine Benefits, Challenges Persist

Beginning with the development of the first vaccine in 1796 for the prevention of smallpox, vaccines now protect against a total of 26 diseases. While many vaccines are recommended for U.S. children and adults, some are recommended only in selected populations at high risk due to factors such as area of residence, age, medical condition or risk behaviors. Even so, though U.S. vaccination is at record high levels, many of the vaccine-preventable diseases persist in the U.S. and, especially, in developing countries.

First licensed in 1945 in the U.S., influenza vaccine continues to evolve. As discussed in our article “What’s New with the Flu?,” global, year-round surveillance efforts continue to better identify the mutating viruses to produce a vaccine well-matched to the circulating viruses of the upcoming flu season for increased protective effect. Additionally, new production methods such as the use of plants as growth media are being developed to more quickly and cheaply produce sufficient quantities of the vaccine to thwart pandemics. Yet, despite these advancements, influenza vaccination rates continue to flounder in the U.S. due to disbelief by the public that it will protect them and, more so, because of unwarranted fears.

With efficacy rates hovering just under 60 percent at best, many are unconvinced that the benefits of the influenza vaccine outweigh the perceived risks. But scientists say they are on the verge of developing a vaccine that may greatly improve its effectiveness. In our article “Influenza Vaccine: A Universal Game Changer?,” we look at three of the many studies being conducted to develop a “universal” vaccine targeting the part of the influenza virus that doesn’t mutate year to year, which could protect against virtually every type of flu virus. More importantly, it would be given less frequently.

It seems logical that if influenza vaccinations were necessary only every decade, or perhaps only once in a lifetime, more people would comply. But, a jab is still a jab. And, that goes for all types of vaccines, not just influenza. The saving grace may be new technology that replaces the hypodermic needle. In our article “Evolving Technology in Vaccine Administration,” we explore three different methods to make vaccination less painful, including needle-free injection, microneedle patches and nasal mists. These devices, some of which are currently available and others in development, will solve other problems, as well, such as reducing costs, improving pandemic management and providing for self-administration.

Despite all these scientific efforts and achievements, many vaccine-preventable diseases still exist, including poliomyelitus, or polio, for which a vaccine was first licensed in the U.S. in 1955. As we explain in our article “Update on Polio and Post-Polio Syndrome,” most cases today occur in developing countries, most specifically Afghanistan and Pakistan. Yet, many Americans who contracted the disease prior to the vaccine availability continue to develop post-polio syndrome, suffering recurrence of symptoms.

While most individuals residing in the U.S. are immunized against polio, there are many other infectious diseases that are endemic to regions outside of North America for which we don’t usually need protection. Until we travel. That’s why, as our article “Vaccines for International Travel” outlines, it’s crucial for individuals traveling abroad to be vaccinated against four diseases that are widely discussed in travel medicine: typhoid, hepatitis A, Japanese encephalitis and yellow fever.

As always, we hope you enjoy this issue of BioSupply Trends Quarterly highlighting advances in vaccines, and find it both relevant and helpful to your practice.

Patrick M. Schmidt

Publisher