Vaccination Innovation: New Technologies Are Leading the Way to Vaccines That Work Better, Hurt Less

Children in developing countries often don't receive their full set of basic vaccines, which leaves them at risk for diseases that can cause serious illness and even death. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), data from 2016 show that approximately 19.5 million infants globally were not fully vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, and some 1.5 million children die from vaccine-preventable illnesses each year [1]. And when it comes to seasonal influenza vaccines, they can be difficult to prepare in advance. In addition, people often skip flu shots because they don't like needles or they don't have time to get them. As a result, many go on to get the flu, along with complications that are sometimes fatal.