Vaccine development


A signposting resource from the Board of Science

Introduction
The development of new vaccines to prevent disease is a continuous effort throughout the world. The successful development of vaccines to protect against diseases such as polio and measles has helped reduce the incidence of disease in the United Kingdom (UK). However, due to safety fears over vaccines (particularly for MMR), a decrease in vaccine coverage has been observed (go to reference 1). Below, table 1 from the World Health Organisation (WHO) website shows the number of cases since 1980.

Number of reported cases in the UK
Disease 2004 2003  2002 2001 2000 1999 1990  1980
                 
Diphtheria 0 3 6 4 2 - 2 5
                 
Measles 189 460 314 73 104 - 28,228 147,962
                 
Mumps 10,055 - 544 814 1,089 - - -
                 
Neonatal tetanus 0 0 0 0 0 - 0 0
                 
Pertussis 169 521 1,054 1,049 866 - 16,605 22,924
                 
Polio 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3
                 
Rubella 17 34 72 43 75 - - -
                 
Total tetanus 20 14 7 7 2 - 18 30
                 
Yellow fever - 0 0 1 0 - - -


Different types of vaccines have been developed to protect against diseases depending on their nature; bacterial, viral and parasitic vaccines.
  • Bacterial vaccines protect against diseases that are caused by bacteria. For example, the DTP triple vaccine protects against the bacterial diseases diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis.
  • Viral vaccines are used to combat diseases such as polio and influenza. The MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine was specifically formulated to protect against viral diseases measles, mumps and rubella in a single dose formulation.
  • Diseases spread by parasites such as malaria and leishmaniasis have resulted in a need for parasitic vaccines to protect those at high risk.
New vaccine development and accessibility are worldwide problems particularly for developing countries where often the need is greatest. With increased global travel there has been a shift towards developed countries funding research into ‘third world’ diseases, in an attempt to stop any further spread. For example, the Wellcome Trust along with the Department for International Development have recently pledged £10 million each to the Medicines for Malaria Venture to help combat the prevalence of the disease. Go to reference 2.

Immunisation schedule
In the UK vaccine development has resulted in a standard immunisation schedule recommended for all children beginning at 2 months of age. Go to the web page here.

The British National Formulary (BNF), reproduced bi-annually in conjunction with the BMJ, provides information on the current immunisation schedule in the UK. Go to reference 3. The information provided in the BNF originates from the Department of Health’s Green Book. Go to reference 4.

Board of Science related work
Childhood immunisation: a guide for healthcare professionals (2003). Read more here.

Hepatitis B vaccination in childhood: a briefing from the Board of Science. Read more here.

BMA Policy and ARM policy on immunisation and vaccination
For specific policy search please access the BMA policy database here.

Developing new vaccines
There is a continuing effort to develop new vaccines and improve existing ones. The World Health Organisation (WHO) provides information on current and future vaccines and technologies anticipated by 2015. These include malaria, rotavirus and the human papilloma virus vaccines.

Diseases that are currently being studied for vaccine research and development purposes can be found on the WHO website. This link provides detailed information on each of the diseases listed, including the burden of illness and the current stage of vaccine development.

References:
  1. British Medical Association (2003) Childhood immunisation: a guide for healthcare professionals. London: BMA
  2. Department for International Development (20 January 2005) www.dfid.gov.uk
  3. British National Formulary (2005) BNF 50 September 2005. BMA: London
  4. Department of Health (1996) The Green Book. London:DH www.dh.gov.uk

    © British Medical Association 2008

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