The Role of Vaccines in Global Health Security

Long before global health security became a term of art, vaccines were protecting communities from infectious diseases and outbreaks, and their disruptive effects on health and society. Whenever there is an infectious disease outbreak the first question is, invariably, “where is the vaccine?”  In an interconnected world microbes are propelled across oceans and borders by travel, migration and trade. Whether they are introduced into communities by forces of nature, by accidents, or by intention, the impact and potential for harm is magnified as they have the potential to land in dense megacities and among vulnerable populations where they can take root and spread. In addition, the pressure of development encroaches on habitats, and increases the opportunities for microbes to explore new territories on both sides of the human animal interface. Vaccines and global health security have always been co-travelers. This seminar, delivered by Dr. Bruce Gellin, took a look at that journey – where it’s been, where it is now, and what may be around the bend on the road ahead.

This event was a part of the Global Health Security Seminar Series, which is co-sponsored by Georgetown’s Center for Global Health Science and Security and the Global Health Initiative.

Link to slides
Link to video recording of seminar