vaccinologi

Vaccinology, or vaccinologi in some languages, is the scientific discipline focused on vaccines and vaccination. It covers the discovery, development, testing, production, regulation, and implementation of vaccines to prevent infectious diseases. The field draws on immunology, microbiology, epidemiology, pharmacology, and public health to understand how vaccines induce protective immunity and how they are evaluated and used in populations.

Origins trace to Edward Jenner’s smallpox vaccine in the late 18th century, with later advances by Pasteur and others expanding vaccines from crude preparations to standardized products. The 20th century saw widespread use of inactivated and live-attenuated vaccines; the 21st century has introduced new platforms such as viral vectors and nucleic acid vaccines, including mRNA vaccines.

Vaccine types include inactivated, live-attenuated, subunit, toxoid, conjugate, viral-vector, DNA, and RNA vaccines. Development typically proceeds from preclinical studies to phased clinical trials (I–III), regulatory review, manufacturing, and post-licensure safety monitoring.

Vaccination programs have dramatically reduced disease burden and led to eradication or control of several infections. Success depends on vaccine effectiveness, safety, robust supply chains, and public acceptance. Challenges include vaccine hesitancy, inequitable access, and the need for rapid responses to emerging pathogens.

As a multidisciplinary field with global reach, vaccinology involves industry, academia, regulators, and international health organizations. Ongoing research aims to improve existing vaccines, develop universal or rapid-response vaccines, and strengthen immunization systems worldwide.