Need for Vaccinologists?              

Vaccinologist: a new profession in the XXI^st century now trained in LIVE!

Vaccinology synthesizes inputs from various basic sciences (mainly immunology, immunopathology & infectiology), clinical medicine (clinical trials expertise, paediatrics, internal medicine), public health (epidemiology and biostatistics) and social sciences (communications, public health policy, anthropology).

A vaccinologist, whatever her/his sub-discipline(s) holds a clear overview of how these pieces come together to create a sum that exceeds the contribution of any single component. In our view, three critical pillars to train vaccinologists are (1) in-depth exposure of trainees to the multi-disciplinary aspects of vaccinology, (2) academic preparation in basic and clinical sciences, (3) vaccinology training undertaken in both public sector and industry settings.

Vaccinologists conceive and develop vaccines and vaccine policy. 

Need further information? We recommend that you read: Developing the next generation of vaccinologists.pdf

Future targets for vaccinology

The public health needs the development of an adequate workforce of vaccinologists be available. The general objective of the LIVE programme is to form the next generation of vaccinologists who will have to manage an increasing number of infectious and non-infectious vaccine targets for many important issues: unsolved and still emerging infectious diseases, immune-senescence in an era where there is an exponentially aging of population structure, non-infectious but immune-regulated diseases (e.g. allergy, cancer and chronic inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis, obesity, diabetes, addictions…). The nations need to decrease health care expenditures while increasing quality and health care outcomes. In this context, it is better to prevent than to treat. Meeting this need starts with providing the funding, professors, excellent training and clear career pathways for bright and capable students who will devote their professional careers to Vaccinology.

Five keys for leading in future vaccine development

Key action 1: Vaccinologists must be deeply trained in immunology and in immunopathology which are the scientific core basis to manipulate the immune system. The immune system is the physiological system targeted by vaccines to prevent or solve a disease, whose aetiology is not necessarily related to the immune system at the beginning. With Immunology & Immunopathology knowledge from the excellent Master in Advanced Immunology of Barcelona Universities, vaccinologists can imagine new forms of vaccines while avoiding side-effects.

Key action 2: Vaccinologists must be trained in infectiology. Today, the majority of vaccine applications are related to infectious diseases and Europe is very strong on this traditional field. LIVE Master benefits from this environment in Belgium and France. The LIVE students deeply learn infectiology in Antwerp and further investigate epidemiology in Lyon.

Key action 3: LIVE programme organizes an ecosystem with a close contact between vaccine industry, research & clinical academics, and vaccine-related organizations. This ecosystem of vaccinology is largely explored, willingly and smartly exploited, thanks to an outstanding and participative partnership.

Key action 4: Anticipation of the future vaccine applications. Cancers account for about 60% of ongoing studies on new vaccines. Europe must participate in this development by training highly qualified vaccinologists able to manipulate the immune system to redirect its action against cancer cells. Later on, allergy and immuno-metabolic diseases will also require trained vaccinologists.

Key action 5: Communication on vaccines, understanding and advising health policies are critical tools to explain one of the most important medical advances that contribute to human and animal health: the vaccines. Vaccinologists must understand the necessity to better communicate on the strengths and values ​​of the vaccines in order to successfully contribute to the public health policies and vaccination campaigns. The LIVE programme includes the teaching unit “Advertisement on vaccines & public health” that bring the students to participate in building Massive Open Online Course: MOOC  (page MOOC Production)related to vaccines.

EU & WHO need a team to plug the gap in vaccinology education

Several reports in the European and global levels highlighted the need to set up an education in vaccinology up-to-date, interactive and adapted to the various national specific situations.

• “Education and training of students in vaccinology is of the highest priority.” for the TRANSVAC workshop:
• TRANSVAC Workshop Report
• “The need to improve vaccinology training activities for healthcare professionals” underlined in the European Commission Staff Working Document on Implementation of Council Recommendation on seasonal influenza vaccination, recommendations for Member State action:
• EU COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT
• “Clear gaps in training and education for prevention of infectious diseases” identified in the ECDC Report on Health Communication for Communicable Diseases:
• Health Communication Communicable Disease-Europe
• “Gaps in training and education of all healthcare facilities staff and vaccination” reported in the European Commission report on patient safety and quality of care:
• REPORT FROM THE EU COMMISSION TO THE COUNCIL
• “Need for pre and in-service training on immunisation for healthcare staff and students” asked by WHO Group Experts on Immunization:
• WHO Europe ETAGE meeting conclusions

As a conclusion for these needs: All you need is LIVE!