The importance of vaccine strategies

Vaccines differ considerably in their production characteristics and physical properties; their modes of application and action; the nature and duration of the protection they provide; the target hosts in which they can be used; the unwanted side effects and risks associated with their use; and their dependence upon complementary control measures. However, an almost universal feature of vaccination is that it is a complex process that depends upon not only a good vaccine, but also the correct strategy and implementation involving multiple steps, procedures and players. Problems can arise at various stages in the production and application of vaccines, leading to suboptimal performance and failure to fully realise the potential of vaccination. Common problems with vaccination are: • Loss of vaccine efficacy due to overheating or freezing during storage, transport or administration; •…