Introduction to Vaccines and Vaccination

Along with the implementation of clean water and sanitation, vaccines have contributed significantly to global disease reduction and eradication, saving millions of lives. Originating in the 19th century, vaccine development has advanced significantly. Understanding the immune system and how invading pathogens stimulate it has led to many new vaccines, vaccine classes, and ways in which protection can be achieved. In this chapter, we will review the history and development of vaccines and their different subclasses as well as more recent technological advances in vaccine development. Separately, we will review novel vaccine strategies and preferred immunization routes used for vaccines.