New Vaccines on the Horizon

Abstract

Purpose of Review: Well-established as a powerful tool for preventing disease, vaccines have immeasurably impacted health and disease epidemiology worldwide. In the era of rational vaccine design and ever-evolving technology, vaccine development and delivery is poised to improve the ability to target a range of new diseases and to improve disease prevention, in even the most remote communities worldwide. Recent Findings: New vaccines against influenza, human papillomavirus and meningococcal diseases have focused on targeting an increased number of serotypes and/or improving immunogenicity, while new vaccines against dengue and malaria are closer to being delivered to communities at need. Alternative models of protection, for example, expanded use of maternal vaccination, are also being explored and may prove effective against new diseases, such as respiratory syncytial virus. Further on the horizon are better vaccines against tuberculosis and also new vaccines for HIV, Group B Streptococcus, Group A Streptococcus, Staphylococcus aureus and cytomegalovirus. Emerging infectious diseases, including ebola and zika virus, present challenges for the traditional bench to bedside timeline of vaccine research, development, and deployment, proving that acceleration of this process is possible. Summary: This review covers new vaccines against the diseases above, and also briefly touches on continued efforts to ensuring life-saving immunisation is provided to all.