Faculty Articles

Vaccines administered simultaneously: directions for new combination vaccines based on an historical review of the literature.

Publication Title

International journal of infectious diseases : IJID : official publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases

ISSN

1201-9712

Publication Date

11-1-2004

Keywords

combination vaccines, expanded programme on immunization, epi, historical review, immunogenicity, mass vaccination, measles vaccine, yellow fever vaccine, japanese encephalitis vaccine, pertussis vaccine, pediatric vaccines, rabies vaccine, smallpox eradication, travel vaccines, vaccine associations, vaccine development, vaccine efficacy, vaccine safety, world health organization, global immunization programs

Abstract

Objectives: The recognized benefits of administering vaccines simultaneously has encouraged vaccine producers to develop combination vaccines. If contemporary research and development can realize vaccines that achieve the current standards for safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy, other specific vaccine associations may also merit reconsideration as combination vaccines.

Methods: An historical review of the vaccine association literature reveals two important themes: first, the programs of mass vaccination, in particular, the eradication of smallpox, sessions where multiple vaccines (other than the smallpox vaccine) were given concurrently, and the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI); and, second, the domain of travel vaccines, including travellers to a disease-endemic country (such as migrants, tourists, military personnel, or expatriates) and WHO requirements for international travellers.

Results/conclusions: Based on this historical review, combination vaccines worth reconsideration could fill epidemiologic niches in the EPI with, for instance, a measles--yellow fever, a measles--Japanese encephalitis or a pertussis-based paediatric combination rabies vaccine. Furthermore, other combinations could broaden protection against the pathogens responsible for meningitis, pneumonia, or enteric diseases. Nevertheless, complex issues such as necessity, feasibility, or affordability will ultimately determine if any one of these becomes a combination vaccine.

DOI

10.1016/j.ijid.2004.03.006

Volume

8

Issue

6

First Page

328

Last Page

38

Disciplines

Medical Specialties | Medicine and Health Sciences | Osteopathic Medicine and Osteopathy

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