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Vaccines
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Promoting Research, Development and Access to Vaccines to Address Global...
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Promoting Research, Development and Access to Vaccines to Address Global Inequities

A special issue of Vaccines (ISSN 2076-393X). This special issue belongs to the section "Vaccine Advancement, Efficacy and Safety".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2025 | Viewed by 5981

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Yangmu Huang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
Interests: development assistance for health; global health governance; R&D and access to global public goods; nutrition and food security; health emergency

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Vaccines are a highly effective public health measure for promoting population health. However, the COVID-19 pandemic, monkeypox, and other global public health emergencies have highlighted serious global inequality in the development and accessibility of vaccines, particularly in disadvantaged settings. It is essential to address these issues by understanding the current situation, analyzing its reasons, and exploring potential solutions.

We invite original research articles and reviews on a wide range of topics related to global vaccine equity issues, including routine and emergency vaccines for all age groups. This includes, but is not limited to, vaccine hesitancy, vaccination promotion interventions, relevant economic evaluations, and vaccination for vulnerable populations. We are eagerly looking forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Yangmu Huang
Guest Editor

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

  • research and development
  • communicable diseases
  • vulnerable population
  • medical countermeasures
  • vaccine-preventable diseases
  • innovative vaccines
  • vaccine hesitancy
  • health education
  • vaccination coverage rates
  • vaccination strategies

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 329 KiB  
Article
Enablers and Barriers of COVID-19 Vaccination in the Philippines
by Evalyn Roxas, Paulyn Jean Acacio-Claro, Maria Margarita Lota, Alvin Abeleda, Soledad Natalia Dalisay, Madilene Landicho, Yoshiki Fujimori, Jan Zarlyn Rosuello, Jessica Kaufman, Margaret Danchin, Vicente Belizario, Jr. and Florian Vogt
Vaccines 2025, 13(7), 719; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13070719 - 1 Jul 2025
Viewed by 705
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic prompted extensive vaccination efforts globally, yet in the Philippines, many families remained unvaccinated. Caregivers are key decision-makers for family vaccination, but evidence on factors influencing their own vaccine uptake is limited. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of primary [...] Read more.
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic prompted extensive vaccination efforts globally, yet in the Philippines, many families remained unvaccinated. Caregivers are key decision-makers for family vaccination, but evidence on factors influencing their own vaccine uptake is limited. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of primary caregivers was conducted in low COVID-19 vaccine uptake regions in the Philippines from July to October 2023 using a validated questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression identified enablers and barriers to vaccine uptake. Results: Among 775 respondents, 72.3% completed primary vaccination, 3.3% had incomplete vaccination, and 24.4% were unvaccinated. Key factors for vaccination included self, family, and community protection, and the influence of government regulations. Distrust in vaccine safety was the main barrier. Positive associations with vaccine uptake were found for age [30–45 years (aOR = 2.23) and 46–59 years (aOR = 2.84)], education [secondary (aOR = 2.25) and tertiary (aOR = 4.93)], and employment (aOR = 1.99). Confidence in vaccine safety (aOR = 1.92), vaccine effectiveness (aOR = 2.23), and satisfaction with vaccination efforts (aOR = 2.39) were additional enablers. Disagreement with restrictions on the unvaccinated was a barrier (aOR = 0.31). Conclusions: This study identified multiple factors influencing COVID-19 vaccination among primary caregivers in low uptake areas of the Philippines. Interventions addressing perceptions about vaccine safety and effectiveness, particularly among younger and less educated caregivers, may improve public trust and satisfaction with vaccination efforts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Research, Development and Access to Vaccines to Address Global Inequities)
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13 pages, 387 KiB  
Article
Estimating the Public Health and Economic Impact of Annual mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination for Adults Aged 50 and Older in South Korea’s Endemic Era
by Jaehee Jung, Dain Lee, Hee-Do Yang, Ah-Young Kim, Haeun Lee, Minkyoung Kang, Ekkehard Beck, Keya Joshi, Youngju Kang and Hye-Young Kang
Vaccines 2025, 13(4), 386; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13040386 - 3 Apr 2025
Viewed by 1624
Abstract
Background/Objectives: COVID-19 continues to challenge public health due to emerging variants. To mitigate this, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) recommends annual COVID-19 vaccination, but uptake remains suboptimal. This study evaluates the public health and economic impact of annual mRNA COVID-19 [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: COVID-19 continues to challenge public health due to emerging variants. To mitigate this, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) recommends annual COVID-19 vaccination, but uptake remains suboptimal. This study evaluates the public health and economic impact of annual mRNA COVID-19 vaccination for adults aged 50 and older in South Korea during the 2024–2025 season, focusing on hospitalizations and costs. Methods: We estimated hospitalizations prevented by the mRNA-1273 XBB.1.5 containing vaccine by calculating symptomatic infection incidence rates, hospitalization rates among unvaccinated individuals, vaccine effectiveness (VE) against hospitalization, and vaccination rates. Incidence rates among the unvaccinated with an annual vaccine were derived by adjusting overall infection rates based on vaccination coverage and VE against COVID-19 hospitalization rates. Hospitalization costs were obtained from a real-world dataset, integrating the KDCA’s COVID-19 confirmed cases with National Health Insurance claims data. Comparative analyses between mRNA-1273 and BNT162b2 used published meta-analysis results. Results: Assuming vaccination rates remain consistent with the 2023–2024 season, mRNA-1273 is projected to prevent 37,200 hospitalizations and save USD 77.2 million in healthcare costs during the 2024–2025 season compared to no annual vaccination. Compared to BNT162b2, it is expected to prevent an additional 13,260 hospitalizations saving USD 27.5 million. If vaccination rates increased to match influenza, hospitalizations prevented by mRNA-1273 could rise to 79,800 with USD 164.2 million in healthcare savings compared to no annual vaccination. Conclusion: Annual mRNA COVID-19 vaccination with mRNA-1273 substantially reduces hospitalizations and healthcare costs. Increasing vaccination rates are essential to maximize public health benefits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Research, Development and Access to Vaccines to Address Global Inequities)
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Other

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15 pages, 3706 KiB  
Systematic Review
Impact of Chemotherapy on Vaccine Immunogenicity and Revaccination Response of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Yuyuan Zeng, Chuanyu Yang, Xihan Li, Qi An, Bo Zhou, Wenquan Niu, Yu Tian, Yifei Cheng and Lin Wang
Vaccines 2025, 13(6), 605; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13060605 - 1 Jun 2025
Viewed by 700
Abstract
Background: Chemotherapy, a cornerstone treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), can compromise immune function, leading to impaired immune memory function and diminished responses to revaccination. This systematic review and meta-analysis sought to evaluate the impact of chemotherapy on the immunogenicity of prior vaccinations [...] Read more.
Background: Chemotherapy, a cornerstone treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), can compromise immune function, leading to impaired immune memory function and diminished responses to revaccination. This systematic review and meta-analysis sought to evaluate the impact of chemotherapy on the immunogenicity of prior vaccinations and subsequent revaccination responses in children with ALL. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted through PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Medline. Search time was 9 January 2025. R 4.4.2 was employed for data analysis. Results: A total of 29 relevant studies were identified, with 8 undergoing meta-analysis. The pooled antibody seropositive rates (SPR) for vaccines against Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis A Virus (HAV), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, and Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) demonstrated a statistically significant decline after chemotherapy in ALL patients (p < 0.0001). Subgroup analysis further revealed marked and heterogeneous declines in SPR after chemotherapy, with the magnitude of reduction varying significantly across vaccines—tetanus, HBV, HAV, measles, mumps, and rubella (Subgroup differences, p = 0.0037). Conclusions: This review provides an updated assessment of this critical topic, representing the first meta-analysis specifically focused on the effects of chemotherapy on different vaccines’ immunogenicity in children with ALL. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Research, Development and Access to Vaccines to Address Global Inequities)
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13 pages, 1995 KiB  
Conference Report
Investment Opportunities for mRNA Technology in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Key Findings and Future Perspectives
by Ariane de Jesus Lopes de Abreu, Cheleka A. M. Mpande, Matthias Helble, Martin W. Nicholson, María de los Ángeles Cortés, María Eugenia Pérez Ponsa, Ivan Redini Blumenthal, Francisco Caccavo, Tomas Pippo, Judit Rius Sanjuan and Claudia Nannei
Vaccines 2025, 13(2), 112; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13020112 - 23 Jan 2025
Viewed by 2241
Abstract
In April 2024, a hybrid meeting organized by the WHO, PAHO, and MPP during the World Bank Spring Meetings focused on financing mRNA-based technologies in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). This meeting sought to engage multilateral development banks (MDBs) and stakeholders in financing [...] Read more.
In April 2024, a hybrid meeting organized by the WHO, PAHO, and MPP during the World Bank Spring Meetings focused on financing mRNA-based technologies in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). This meeting sought to engage multilateral development banks (MDBs) and stakeholders in financing the expansion of vaccine production and enhancing pandemic preparedness. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the disparities in vaccine production and distribution, highlighting the need for localized production to improve global health equity. The WHO’s mRNA Technology Transfer Programme, initiated in 2021, aims to build local capacity for mRNA vaccine development and manufacturing. Key sessions covered during the meeting include innovative investment models, with MDBs discussing funding instruments and the necessity of an integrated ecosystem for sustainable vaccine manufacturing. Challenges such as technological risks and the need for higher risk appetite were addressed, along with innovative financing mechanisms like blended financing. An analysis of capital and operational expenditures for mRNA vaccine facilities was presented, projecting significant production capacity in LMICs within a decade. Panelists emphasized the need for sustainable R&D investment and shared experiences in securing funding for mRNA technology. The meeting underscored the importance of collaboration, innovative financing, ecosystem development, and public–private partnerships, marking a pivotal step towards advancing mRNA technology in LMICs to tackle global health challenges. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Research, Development and Access to Vaccines to Address Global Inequities)
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