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Vaccines
Special Issues
Vaccination and Public Health in the 21st Century
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Vaccination and Public Health in the 21st Century

A special issue of Vaccines (ISSN 2076-393X). This special issue belongs to the section "Human Vaccines and Public Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 December 2025 | Viewed by 5076

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Evridiki Patelarou

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 71410 Heraklion, Greece
Interests: epidemiology; public health; health promotion; disease prevention; evidence-based practice
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Enkeleint A. Mechili

E-Mail Website
Co-Guest Editor
Department of Healthcare, Faculty of Health, University of Vlora, 9401 Vlora, Albania
Interests: public health; health policy; epidemiology; primary care
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Athina E. Patelarou

E-Mail Website
Co-Guest Editor
Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 71500 Crete, Greece
Interests: evidence-based practice; nursing; genetics; genomics; precision care; education; simulation; healthcare
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

It is with great pleasure that I can introduce this Special Issue on “Vaccination and Public Health in the 21st Century”. Today, the discussion on vaccines is of great importance. Their significance in the eradication of different communicable diseases is clear and evident globally. In recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic has dominated our lives, and the development of several safe and effective vaccines has saved millions of lives across the world, as well as decreasing the chances of hospitalization for many more. This Special Issue aims to present the role of the vaccination in Public Health at a global level. This Special Issue focuses on laboratory and clinical vaccine research, its utilization, and immunization, as well as health technology assessments of new vaccines, their cost-effectiveness, safety, efficacy, etc. This collection of works does not focus on a specific country or disease. Articles that focus on the reappearance of communicable diseases that had been eradicated in the past are also very welcome. Moreover, articles that focus on the importance of vaccination in the public health will be processed with priority.

Dr. Evridiki Patelarou
Dr. Enkeleint A. Mechili
Dr. Athina E. Patelarou
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Vaccines is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • vaccines
  • public health
  • clinical vaccine research
  • immunization
  • health technology assessment
  • vaccine development

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 5736 KiB  
Article
Surveillance of Pediatric Invasive Bacterial Diseases in the Veneto Region: Epidemiological Trends and Outcomes over 17 Years (2007–2023)
by Silvia Cocchio, Claudia Cozzolino, Andrea Cozza, Patrizia Furlan, Enrica Frasson, Sara Tarantino, Elisabetta Conte, Lorenzo Chiusaroli, Irene Amoruso, Francesca Zanella, Davide Gentili, Michele Tonon, Francesca Russo, Tatjana Baldovin and Vincenzo Baldo
Vaccines 2025, 13(3), 230; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13030230 - 24 Feb 2025
Viewed by 567
Abstract
Introduction: Invasive bacterial diseases (IBDs) such as meningitis and sepsis are significant public health concerns, particularly in pediatric populations. This study analyzes the incidence, outcomes, and bacterial serotype distribution of pediatric IBDs in the Veneto Region over 17 years. Methods: An observational study [...] Read more.
Introduction: Invasive bacterial diseases (IBDs) such as meningitis and sepsis are significant public health concerns, particularly in pediatric populations. This study analyzes the incidence, outcomes, and bacterial serotype distribution of pediatric IBDs in the Veneto Region over 17 years. Methods: An observational study was conducted using data (2007–2023) from the surveillance system of the Veneto Region, including microbiologically confirmed cases in individuals < 18 years. Differences by age groups and trends were statistically assessed. Results: A total of 535 pediatric IBD cases were reported, with Streptococcus pneumoniae (54.6%), Neisseria meningitidis (19.6%), and Streptococcus agalactiae (13.5%) being the most common pathogens. Haemophilus influenzae infections were more commonly represented in infants under 1 year (41.5%), whereas S. pneumoniae and N. meningitidis were more frequent in the 1–4-year age group (40.8% and 37.1%, respectively). Sepsis was the most common clinical presentation (57.2%), followed by meningitis (36.3%). Serotype analysis revealed that S. pneumoniae serotype 3 was the most prevalent, while serogroup B dominated N. meningitidis cases. Temporal trends generally showed a decline in cases until 2019, a drop during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a subsequent resurgence in 2022–2023. Conclusions: Our research underscores the value of evidence-based epidemiology through robust surveillance systems in tracking IBD trends and serotype shifts, essential for guiding vaccination strategies and public health interventions. These insights highlight the effectiveness of vaccination programs and the necessity of ongoing monitoring to inform public health policies. Improved data integration and completeness are recommended to enhance surveillance accuracy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccination and Public Health in the 21st Century)
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14 pages, 320 KiB  
Article
Health Technology Assessment of Vaccines in Italy: History and Review of Applications
by Sara Boccalini, Rosalia Ragusa, Donatella Panatto, Giovanna Elisa Calabrò, Paolo Angelo Cortesi, Gabriele Giorgianni, Carlo Favaretti, Paolo Bonanni, Walter Ricciardi and Chiara de Waure
Vaccines 2024, 12(10), 1090; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12101090 - 24 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1556
Abstract
Background/Objectives. Many vaccines have been developed in recent decades, and many more will be available in the future. When new safe and effective vaccines are available, decision-makers must extensively assess them before including them in the national immunization plan and issuing recommendations. [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives. Many vaccines have been developed in recent decades, and many more will be available in the future. When new safe and effective vaccines are available, decision-makers must extensively assess them before including them in the national immunization plan and issuing recommendations. The Health Technology Assessment (HTA) could be an objective, transparent, and comprehensive approach to guiding the decision-making process for the use of vaccines. Objectives and Methods. The aim of this study was to review the indications for HTA use contained in Italian institutional documents on vaccination, namely the National Immunization Plans (NIPs) and available full Italian HTA reports on vaccines, assessing their availability at the time of national recommendations’ introductions. Results. HTA has been recognised as an eligible approach to deciding upon the introduction of vaccines through the NIPs of 2012–2014 and 2017–2019, and the last NIP, of 2023–2025, highlights the lack of funding dedicated to the production of independent HTA reports that can be used for issuing recommendations. In 2007–2023, twenty full HTA reports on vaccines were published in Italy: eight reports on influenza vaccines, five on Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), three each on meningococcal and pneumococcal vaccines, and one on rotavirus vaccine. HTA was applied with different purposes, namely the evaluation of new vaccines or their re-assessment, but it was not always timely with respect to both the marketing authorisation and the issuing of national recommendations for use. Conclusions. As HTA can be considered the best tool to disentangle the overall value of vaccines, it would be desirable for it to be used more and more to provide the evidence for efficient resource use. This calls for action to improve the transfer of HTA results to decision-makers, to try to fill the gap between research and decision and foster evidence-based recommendations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccination and Public Health in the 21st Century)

Review

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19 pages, 322 KiB  
Review
Adult Vaccinations Today—Innovations and Challenges for the Coming Years
by Helena C. Maltezou, Dimitrios C. Cassimos, Nikolaos V. Sipsas and Snezana Medic
Vaccines 2025, 13(6), 583; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13060583 - 29 May 2025
Abstract
Routine pediatric vaccinations have resulted in dramatic declines in the incidence and complications of several vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) over the past fifty years. At the same time, the prolongation of life expectancy and the large number of adults living with chronic medical conditions [...] Read more.
Routine pediatric vaccinations have resulted in dramatic declines in the incidence and complications of several vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) over the past fifty years. At the same time, the prolongation of life expectancy and the large number of adults living with chronic medical conditions changed the demographic profile and, accordingly, the healthcare needs. The recognition of the burden and effects of several VPDs in adults and in particular risk groups and the comprehension of the age-dependent deterioration of immune responses have driven the extension of routine vaccination programs beyond adolescence. In addition, several VPDs emerged or re-emerged over the past decades, and new vaccines have been developed or are under clinical assessment. Currently, vaccination programs in many countries include vaccinations for adults, aiming to expand and strengthen protection throughout the lifespan and promote healthy aging. Moreover, there are needs for new or more effective vaccines against common or emerging pathogens and public health threats, including chronic diseases. This article reviews the current status of several adult vaccinations and discusses challenges for adult vaccinations, including new vaccines, emerging or re-emerging VPDs, and strategies to overcome low vaccination rates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccination and Public Health in the 21st Century)
18 pages, 2931 KiB  
Review
Boosting Vaccine Research: The 16-Year Journey of TRANSVAC Vaccine Infrastructure
by William Martin, Catarina Luís, Stefan Jungbluth, Monika Slezak, Frank A. W. Verreck, Holger Spiegel, Carlos A. Guzman, António Roldão, Manuel J. T. Carrondo, Peter Van der Ley, Joaquim Segalés, Hazel M. Dockrell, Mei Mei Ho, Gabriel K. Pedersen, Maria Lawrenz and Ole F. Olesen
Vaccines 2024, 12(12), 1446; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12121446 - 22 Dec 2024
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Abstract
TRANSVAC represents a long-running effort to accelerate the development of novel vaccines by integrating institutions from across Europe under a single collaborative framework. This initiative has empowered the global vaccine community since 2009 including contributing toward the development and optimization of vaccine candidates [...] Read more.
TRANSVAC represents a long-running effort to accelerate the development of novel vaccines by integrating institutions from across Europe under a single collaborative framework. This initiative has empowered the global vaccine community since 2009 including contributing toward the development and optimization of vaccine candidates as well as the provision of new adjuvants, research protocols, and technologies. Scientific services were provided in support of 88 different vaccine development projects, and 400 professionals attended TRANSVAC training events on various vaccine-related topics. Here, we review the accomplishments of the TRANSVAC consortia and analyze the continued needs of academic and industrial vaccine developers in Europe. The findings highlight the benefits of coordination across different sectors, both through research infrastructures such as TRANSVAC and other mechanisms, to address the current and future global health challenges and ensure that European vaccine developers have the support required to successfully compete in the global market. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccination and Public Health in the 21st Century)
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Other

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14 pages, 3066 KiB  
Systematic Review
Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Hepatitis E Vaccination in Reproductive-Age Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Vaidas Jotautis and Antigoni Sarantaki
Vaccines 2025, 13(1), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13010053 - 9 Jan 2025
Viewed by 989
Abstract
Background: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection presents a significant health risk in endemic regions, especially for pregnant women, who face higher risks of severe complications, including maternal and fetal mortality. The recombinant HEV vaccine, HEV239, has demonstrated high efficacy in the general population, [...] Read more.
Background: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection presents a significant health risk in endemic regions, especially for pregnant women, who face higher risks of severe complications, including maternal and fetal mortality. The recombinant HEV vaccine, HEV239, has demonstrated high efficacy in the general population, yet data on its safety and efficacy in women of a childbearing age remain limited. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of HEV239 in this specific population, with a focus on pregnancy-related outcomes. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Scopus, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies were included if they reported outcomes on HEV239′s safety or efficacy in women of childbearing age, with data being extracted and analyzed for immunogenicity, HEV incidence, and maternal adverse events. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane and Newcastle Ottawa Scales, and a random-effects meta-analysis was performed. Results: Three studies, enrolling over 23,000 participants, were included in the current systematic review, with two meeting the criteria for meta-analysis. HEV239 demonstrated high efficacy in preventing hepatitis E infection, with no significant increase in adverse pregnancy outcomes such as stillbirth or elective termination. However, there was an elevated risk of miscarriage (odds ratio [OR], 1.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.99–2.57). The analysis revealed high heterogeneity for miscarriage outcomes (I2 = 67%), reflecting variability in study designs and populations. Conclusions: HEV239 is effective in preventing HEV infection among women of childbearing age, although caution is advised when administering the vaccine near conception due to potential miscarriage risks. Future studies should focus on understanding the biological mechanisms and timing-specific safety to guide vaccination recommendations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccination and Public Health in the 21st Century)
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