EpidemiologyUnderstanding where the health burden is and whether new vaccines are likely to be cost-effective is essential for the implementation of vaccination programmes. This cross-cutting theme both supports vaccine development and assesses the outcome of vaccine implementation.

  • Vaccine-preventable diseases occur all over the world and in many cases may make the greatest impact in developing countries. It is essential that the spread of these infections is understood so that vaccine development can be prioritised appropriately, especially where certain high-risk groups are particularly affected.
  • As new vaccines become available, data about disease burden and the predicted benefits of vaccine uptake are necessary to understand whether a vaccine will be effective in the wider population and our ability to provide it to those in need.

Key members of this theme