One of the most important inventions in human history is vaccines. Eradicating smallpox, preventing public health crises, and lowering mortality rates, vaccines have revolutionized global health. With the latest mRNA vaccine technology ushering in a new era of vaccinology, there has been a renewed interest in vaccine development for researchers.
Since the smallpox vaccine was first introduced in 1796, researchers have been innovating and updating vaccines to strengthen immunity. In recognition of National Immunization Month, we reviewed some of the key vaccine innovations throughout history that protected people of all ages against serious diseases.
The Earliest Vaccination: Smallpox
In the 18th century, British physician, Edward Jenner developed the smallpox vaccine. Jenner discovered that exposing people to small quantities of the cowpox virus, called “vaccina”, was an effective method in preventing smallpox. Almost a century later, French biologist, Louis Pasteur replicated Jenner’s technique of using a live attenuated virus to develop a rabies vaccine. Eventually, Jenner’s inoculation against the cowpox virus became the umbrella term that we use today: vaccination.
Arguably, the eradication of smallpox is one of the notable achievements in the history of vaccines. Between 1900 and 1980, approximately 300 million people died of smallpox. By 1980, global vaccination programs had eradicated smallpox.
20th Century: Accelerated Vaccine Production
In the first half of the 20th century, scientific advancements and new manufacturing techniques paved the way for a surge of new vaccines that protected against other contagious diseases. As a result of new technology, scientists were able to isolate and distinguish between different viruses or bacteria. Furthermore, the advances in vaccine research and rapid scaling were a catalyst for global vaccination and disease eradication efforts.
Key vaccine achievements of the 20th century include:
In 1945, the first successful inactivated influenza vaccine was developed by Thomas Francis Jr. and Jonas Salk.
In 1948, the first combination vaccines were introduced to prevent fewer delays in disease protection, especially for children. Individual diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccines were combined into a single vaccine called DTP.
In 1955, Jonas Salk developed the polio vaccine. Prior to the vaccine’s availability polio outbreaks caused more than 35,000 cases of paralysis each year in the late 1940s.
In 1981, the first meningococcal vaccine was licensed for use and quickly became the standard of preventive care.
21st Century: Recent Developments
While there have been notable advancements made in vaccine development during the past 20 years, vaccine progress has remained stagnant over the past five years. According to a 2019 McKinsey report, increased investment requirements for mid-and late-stage research and development, and manufacturing are some of the key challenges to innovation in vaccines.
However, the recent improvements in mRNA vaccines are a promising sign for the future of vaccine innovation. Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic about vaccine development and technology provide valuable insight into the development of other vaccines.
Throughout history, vaccines have increased the likelihood of people of all ages staying healthier for longer. By saving millions of lives from contagious, serious diseases, vaccine innovations and widespread vaccination efforts have a monumental impact on public health.