[Preparation of vaccines]

A historical review on the preparation and use of vaccines is presented. The example of smallpox vaccination in man is interesting, as it affords an insight into the development of the principle of vaccination, the improvement of the vaccine and the eradication of the disease. Moreover, the various stages of vaccinology were described. Initially, vaccines were prepared on the basis of the attenuated or inactivated pathogens. After the introduction of animal cell culture techniques among others it became possible to realise an amplification of the preparation of virus vaccines. Since the introduction of recent biotechnological methods, including monoclonal antibodies and recombinant DNA technology, the development and preparation of well characterised and purified vaccines became possible. Immunology, including the development of adjuvants and the immunogenetic aspects, is essential in the further development of vaccines. Furthermore, it should be stressed that in using vaccines, the control aspects of the new generation of vaccines including the application of so-called Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), directives for their preparation should be strictly adhered to.