Viral Vaccines

Since antiquity, humans have strived to find ways to prevent the suffering and mortality caused by infectious pathogens. No interventions in medical history have had a bigger impact on human health than the development of preventative vaccines against infectious diseases. Viruses represent important pathogens responsible for epidemics and, in the case of influenza and SARS-CoV-2, global pandemics responsible for substantial - and sometimes staggering - morbidity and mortality. This article reviews the viral vaccines used today in clinical practice, summarizes the differences in vaccine design and manufacturing, and identifies priorities for future research and development of new viral vaccines.