Infectious Diseases and HIV Conference

Vaccines are immunogenic preparations which induce in the body's immune mechanism the recognition and fight against specific pathogens without causing diseases.

In this lecture, participants will be exposed to the different types of vaccines: live attenuated, inactivated, subunit, conjugate, and mRNA vaccines. The vaccines are prepared to elicit an immune response believed eventually to induce long-lasting immunity of the infectious agent.

Vaccine development has been impressive, considering the emergence of infectious diseases. This session highlights the innovative approach of mRNA vaccine technology that revolutionized the rapid development of vaccines against COVID-19. Participants examine all developments in vectors and new platforms, such as nanoparticle vaccines, and therapeutic vaccines for chronic infections. Proper vaccine strategies will help achieve herd immunity and prevent infectious diseases.

Methods of routine immunization programs, activities for catch-up vaccination, and campaigns during an outbreak should be discussed in the session. Such public health policies along with community involvement and education that promote vaccination uptake and face vaccine hesitancy would be discussed in detail. Despite the success of vaccination programs, much work is still necessary to achieve equitable access to vaccines in low- and middle-income countries.

Out of international health challenges, this session will highlight sustainable supply chains for vaccines; funding support to cover vaccination programs; collaboration among governments, NGOs, and the private sector initiatives aimed at increasing vaccine access; and the importance of cooperation around the world when it comes to health disparities.

Future Directions in Volcanology: Closing Remarks. Future directions in research and development based on universal influenza and coronavirus vaccines, integration of genomics and bioinformatics into design, personalized approaches to vaccination, and implications for future vaccines and vaccination.