Assessing the Importance of Domestic Vaccine Manufacturing Centers: An Overview of Immunization Programs, Vaccine Manufacture, and Distribution

Abstract

Vaccines have significantly reduced the detrimental effects of numerous human infectious diseases worldwide, helped to reduce drastically child mortality rates and even achieved eradication of major pathogens, such as smallpox. These achievements have been possible due to a dedicated effort for vaccine research and development, as well as an effective transfer of these vaccines to public health care systems globally. Either public or private institutions have committed to developing and manufacturing vaccines for local or international population supply. However, current vaccine manufacturers worldwide might not be able to guarantee sufficient vaccine supplies for all nations when epidemics or pandemics events could take place. Currently, different countries produce their own vaccine supplies under Good Manufacturing Practices, which include the USA, Canada, China, India, some nations in Europe and South America, such as Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, France, Argentina, and Brazil, respectively. Here, we discuss some of the vaccine programs and manufacturing capacities, comparing the current models of vaccine management between industrialized and developing countries. Because local vaccine production undoubtedly provides significant benefits for the respective population, the manufacture capacity of these prophylactic products should be included in every country as a matter of national safety.

Keywords: good manufacturing practices; immunization programs; vaccine distribution; vaccine manufacturing; vaccine shortages.

Figure 1

Immunization programs around the world. Vaccines funded by national governments and included in national immunization programs by continent and regional examples. BCG, bacille Calmette–Guerin; HepB, hepatitis B virus; DTaP combines protection against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis; MMR, combines mumps, measles and rubella; Hib, Haemophilus influenzae type B; HPV, human papillomavirus; JE, Japanese encephalitis live vaccine. Exemptions: BCG is given in some countries of Europe. HPV is given in some countries of Africa.

Figure 2

Coverage for Extended Program of Immunization (EPI). *EPIs include those against tuberculosis, diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP), polio, and measles, as well as those protecting newborn children and their mothers against tetanus by vaccination of pregnant women. Data obtained from WHO/UNICEF reports 2007 and 2014 reports.