[Vaccines in the year 2000]

Vaccinology nowadays is going through an explosive "evolution". This development, which is due to progress in molecular biology and immunology, is accompanied by a world-wide change of how we view vaccination strategies. Thus, the vaccination of travellers and migrants should be increasingly included in the global control of the infectious diseases. The risks linked to travelling, which thanks to extensive vaccination are now better controlled globally, should decrease as the success of these programs grows. However, risks connected to those diseases, which do not yet lend themselves to preventive mass vaccination carried out systematically, will no doubt prevail for a long time. This is the case, for example, for diarrhetic diseases, typhoid fever, malaria, severe respiratory diseases, AIDS, tuberculosis or more regional diseases such as dengue or leishmaniasis. As far as vaccination is concerned, the best approach must take into account industrial feasibility and immunological considerations, as to the nature of the "target" of these new vaccines and the desired time of protection. It is also necessary to simplify immunization protocols in order to improve conditions for those who are vaccinated. Priority is given to the search for new vaccinal formulas compatible with these objectives. Significant changes in the domain of vaccination should therefore be expected in a future near enough to have an impact on our upcoming preventive programs ... from the year 2000 onwards.