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Active immunization in the United States: developments over the past decade
1Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island 02903, USA. pdennehy@lifespan.org
Clinical Microbiology Reviews
|October 5, 2001
Summary
Active immunization has seen significant advancements, with new vaccines and improved strategies enhancing public health. Ongoing research in molecular biology promises further breakthroughs in vaccine development for infectious diseases.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Immunization is recognized as a critical public health achievement.
- The United States has experienced substantial changes in vaccine availability and strategies over the last decade.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advancements in active immunization in the U.S. over the past ten years.
- To highlight new and improved vaccines and evolving immunization strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of new vaccine introductions since 1990.
- Analysis of improvements in existing vaccines.
- Examination of changes in immunization strategies due to disease epidemiology.
- Overview of ongoing vaccine development and research.
Main Results:
- New vaccines are available for varicella, rotavirus, hepatitis A, Lyme disease, and Japanese encephalitis virus.
- Improved vaccines target Haemophilus influenzae type b, pneumococcus, pertussis, rabies, and typhoid.
- Immunization strategies have adapted for hepatitis B, measles, meningococcal infections, and poliomyelitis.
- Combination vaccines are in development, alongside improved vaccines for cholera, influenza, and meningococcal disease.
Conclusions:
- Significant progress has been made in active immunization, expanding the range of preventable infectious diseases.
- Advances in molecular biology are paving the way for novel vaccine development against a wide spectrum of pathogens.
- Continued innovation in vaccine technology and strategy is crucial for global public health.