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Vaccines
Special Issues
Vaccines and Vaccine Preventable Diseases
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Vaccines and Vaccine Preventable Diseases

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2026 | Viewed by 2995

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Elie Saade

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
University Hospitals of Cleveland, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
Interests: infection control; vaccine-preventable diseases
Prof. Dr. Stefan Gravenstein

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Alpert Medical School and School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
Interests: immunity, inflammation, cardiovascular outcomes and aging especially in the context of vaccines and the long-term care setting; quality improvement in health care

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

It is important to recognize the impact of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) on public health, particularly among at-risk populations and older adults. VPDs such as influenza, pneumococcal infections, herpes zoster, and hepatitis B have significant clinical, economic, and societal implications. These impacts are particularly severe in older adults, individuals with chronic diseases, and other at-risk groups. Vaccinations are important and can reduce non-infectious outcomes, such as cardiovascular disease. Current vaccination efforts have shown varying success, with notable disparities in vaccine uptake due to socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, and public awareness. These disparities contribute to the ongoing health inequities, with vulnerable populations suffering from VPD-related morbidity and mortality. This Special Issue focuses on recent advancements to reduce the burden of VPDs and improve vaccine equity. We invite original reports and reviews addressing laboratory and clinical vaccine research, utilization, and immunization, including the epidemiology and burden of VPDs among at-risk adult populations; social determinants of health and vaccinations; nosocomial transmission and infection control; innovations in vaccinations; and overcoming barriers to vaccinations. We look forward to your submissions and collaboration in this critical endeavor to safeguard public health.

Dr. Elie Saade
Prof. Dr. Stefan Gravenstein
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

  • vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs)
  • at-risk populations
  • older adults
  • nosocomial transmission
  • vaccine equity
  • immunization disparities
  • public health policy
  • social determinants of health
  • infection control
  • prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 3186 KiB  
Article
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Hospitalization Seasonal Patterns and Economic Burden in the US: Implications for Further Optimizing the Use of RSV Preventives
by Amy W. Law, Jay Lin, Jennifer Judy, Sarah J. Pugh and Alejandro Cane
Vaccines 2025, 13(4), 366; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13040366 - 29 Mar 2025
Viewed by 440
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The CDC has recommended immunizations to protect infants during the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) season, which varies annually and geographically. Seasonal differences in RSV hospitalizations among infants are not well studied. Methods: This retrospective cohort study identified infants < 12 months old [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The CDC has recommended immunizations to protect infants during the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) season, which varies annually and geographically. Seasonal differences in RSV hospitalizations among infants are not well studied. Methods: This retrospective cohort study identified infants < 12 months old hospitalized with RSV from the PINC AI Healthcare Database during the 2018–2023 surveillance years (1 July–30 June). Monthly RSV hospitalizations were stratified by U.S. census division and age group (<3, 3–5, 6–8, 9–11 months). Patient characteristics, healthcare resource utilization (HCRU), and cost were compared between typical in-season months (October–March) and typical off-season months (April–September) for RSV hospitalizations. Results: Among 20,531 hospitalizations for RSV (mean age: 4.1 months, 56.4% male), 22% (n = 4510) were off-season; 83% occurred in June–September across US census divisions. Infants < 3 months accounted for 46% (n = 2054) of off-season hospitalizations. Seasonal patterns were similar across age groups. Off-season hospitalizations were associated with longer hospital length of stay (6.9 vs. 4.9 days) and more supplemental oxygen (59.1% vs. 55.5%), intensive care unit admission (30.1% vs. 26.8%), and mechanical ventilation/airflow usage (20.3% vs. 16.3%). Mean hospitalization costs were 40% higher during off-season ($17,911 vs. $12,757). In the surveillance years before (2018–2020) and after (2022–2023) the COVID-19 pandemic, off-season costs and HCRU were consistently higher than in-season. Conclusions: There is an unmet need among the 1 in 5 infants with off-season RSV hospitalizations, which are associated with higher HCRU and costs. Current recommendations on RSV preventives offer limited protection for infants exposed to RSV outside the typical season. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines and Vaccine Preventable Diseases)
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Review

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14 pages, 920 KiB  
Review
Is Influenza Vaccination Our Best ‘Shot’ at Preventing MACE? Review of Current Evidence, Underlying Mechanisms, and Future Directions
by Alexia El Khoury, Joy Abou Farah and Elie Saade
Vaccines 2025, 13(5), 522; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13050522 - 14 May 2025
Viewed by 162
Abstract
Background: Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular death, are the leading contributors to global morbidity and mortality worldwide. Accumulating evidence suggests a strong association between influenza infection and increased risk of MACE, especially in high-risk populations. Influenza vaccination [...] Read more.
Background: Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular death, are the leading contributors to global morbidity and mortality worldwide. Accumulating evidence suggests a strong association between influenza infection and increased risk of MACE, especially in high-risk populations. Influenza vaccination has been proposed as a potential strategy for reducing this risk by mitigating systemic inflammation and preventing atherosclerotic plaque destabilization, although the precise mechanisms remain under investigation. Results: Multiple meta-analyses and RCTs suggest that influenza vaccination is associated with a reduced risk of MACE, particularly in high-risk individuals with preexisting cardiovascular disease, but the results are less consistent for primary prevention in low-risk populations. The current data support the importance of early and annual vaccination for optimizing cardiovascular outcomes. Conclusions: Influenza vaccination is emerging as an effective and accessible strategy to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, particularly in high-risk individuals. While further research is needed to clarify its role in low-risk populations and the underlying mechanisms of protection, current evidence supports its integration into cardiovascular preventive care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines and Vaccine Preventable Diseases)
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20 pages, 1434 KiB  
Review
The New Era of Pneumococcal Vaccination in Adults: What Is Next?
by Lale Ozisik
Vaccines 2025, 13(5), 498; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13050498 - 7 May 2025
Viewed by 322
Abstract
Streptococcus pneumoniae remains the leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia in adults and bacterial meningitis in children worldwide. In addition to pneumonia, invasive pneumococcal diseases (IPDs), such as bacteremia and meningitis, pose a significant burden, particularly among older adults and individuals with underlying comorbidities. [...] Read more.
Streptococcus pneumoniae remains the leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia in adults and bacterial meningitis in children worldwide. In addition to pneumonia, invasive pneumococcal diseases (IPDs), such as bacteremia and meningitis, pose a significant burden, particularly among older adults and individuals with underlying comorbidities. These diseases lead to substantial morbidity and mortality. Pneumococcal vaccination has been a cornerstone of disease prevention, reducing incidence and antimicrobial resistance. Recent advances in understanding S. pneumoniae epidemiology, genomic diversity, and the real-world impact of conjugate vaccines have driven the development and licensure of new-generation pneumococcal vaccines with expanded serotype coverage. Introducing 15-valent (PCV15), 20-valent (PCV20), and 21-valent (PCV21) conjugate vaccines has reshaped pneumococcal immunization strategies, particularly in adults, replacing previous sequential vaccine recommendations in many settings. In parallel, emerging epidemiological data and shifts in pneumococcal serotype distribution continue to influence vaccine policy decisions and immunization guidelines worldwide. In light of these advancements, adult pneumococcal vaccination recommendations continuously evolve to enhance protection in high-risk populations and optimize long-term immunity. This review provides an updated overview of the pneumococcal disease burden, the evolution of pneumococcal vaccines, and the latest immunization strategies in an expanding vaccine landscape. Additionally, we discuss future directions in pneumococcal vaccine development and the potential impact of novel vaccination approaches on public health outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines and Vaccine Preventable Diseases)
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13 pages, 1176 KiB  
Review
Respiratory Vaccines in Older Adults: A Bibliometric Analysis and Future Research Agenda
by Jose F. Parodi, Fernando Runzer-Colmenares, Carlos Cano-Gutiérrez, José Luis Dinamarca-Montecinos, Patricio Bendía-Gomez de La Torre, Paulo Fortes Villas Boas, Javier Flores-Cohaila, Diego Urrunaga-Pastor and Luis Miguel Gutiérrez-Robledo
Vaccines 2025, 13(3), 240; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13030240 - 26 Feb 2025
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: Respiratory infections impact older adults due to immunosenescence and comorbidities, resulting in increased healthcare costs and mortality. While vaccination is a critical preventive measure, research on respiratory vaccines in older adults in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) remains underexplored. This study [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Respiratory infections impact older adults due to immunosenescence and comorbidities, resulting in increased healthcare costs and mortality. While vaccination is a critical preventive measure, research on respiratory vaccines in older adults in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) remains underexplored. This study aims to map the research landscape and identify emerging themes to guide future studies. Methods: A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Web of Science database, focusing on publications up to 2023 related to respiratory vaccines in LAC’s older adult population. PRISMA-ScR guidelines were followed for data extraction and analysis, with performance metrics and scientometric mapping conducted using Biblioshiny 4.1 and VOSviewer. Results: Ninety-nine studies spanning forty-one journals and 575 authors were included. Brazil contributed 70% of publications, followed by Mexico and Argentina. Influenza and pneumococcal vaccines were the most studied, focusing on coverage, acceptance, and cost-effectiveness. Emerging themes included COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness and vaccination-associated factors. Brazil was identified as the primary hub for collaboration across the region, while other countries made limited contributions. Conclusions: The findings highlight disparities in research output, with Brazil dominating and significant gaps in other LAC countries. Future research should prioritize genomic studies, vaccine efficacy in comorbid populations, and adaptive immunization strategies. Building research capacity and fostering international collaborations are essential for improving vaccination outcomes in older adults across LAC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines and Vaccine Preventable Diseases)
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Other

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29 pages, 8395 KiB  
Systematic Review
Co-Administration of BNT162b2 COVID-19 and Influenza Vaccines in Adults: A Global Systematic Review
by Constantina Boikos, Kassandra Schaible, Solange Nunez-Gonzalez, Verna Welch, Tianyan Hu, Moe Hein Kyaw, Laura Elizabeth Choi, Joanna Kamar, Henry Goebe and John McLaughlin
Vaccines 2025, 13(4), 381; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13040381 - 2 Apr 2025
Viewed by 766
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Co-administration of BNT162b2 with licensed seasonal influenza vaccines (SIVs) is recommended by health authorities. We provide a comprehensive summary of the data supporting this practice in adults. Methods: This systematic review consolidates available evidence on the prevalence, safety, immunogenicity, efficacy, and effectiveness [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Co-administration of BNT162b2 with licensed seasonal influenza vaccines (SIVs) is recommended by health authorities. We provide a comprehensive summary of the data supporting this practice in adults. Methods: This systematic review consolidates available evidence on the prevalence, safety, immunogenicity, efficacy, and effectiveness of co-administering BNT162b2 and SIVs. Searches were conducted for English studies in adults ≥ 18 years of age between January 2021 and August 2024, with no geographic restriction. Study quality was assessed using Cochrane RoB 2.0 and the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Results: Twenty studies (15 observational and 5 clinical trials) were included, mainly conducted in seven countries in Europe and North America. Eight observational studies reported prevalence, twelve reported safety/reactogenicity, six reported immunogenicity, and three evaluated efficacy/effectiveness. Reported co-administration of BNT162b2 vaccines with SIVs increased over time. Of persons receiving BNT162b2, the proportion that reported co-administered SIVs increased from 2.7% in 2021 to 34.1% in 2023. Although variability in outcomes was observed, no consistent pattern indicating a negative impact on immunogenicity from same-day co-administration was identified. Effectiveness was not observed to change when BNT162B2 was co-administered with SIVs. The incidence of systemic and local adverse events was comparable between individuals receiving the vaccines separately and those receiving them co-administered. Conclusions: The findings from this review indicate that the co-administration of BNT162B2 with SIVs is both safe and effective. This highlights the value of co-administration, which could enhance vaccine uptake by streamlining immunization protocols and reducing health visits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines and Vaccine Preventable Diseases)
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