Remembrance and oblivion in vaccine development and vaccination coverage rates in Brazil: addressing vaccinology based on the One Health perspective

Abstract

Lack of funds or interest from industry delays vaccine development. In 2016, a SARS vaccine was listed among the top ten in Research & Development (R&D), but this and several other vaccines were "put in a freezer" for different reasons. This can have devastating public health consequences when a pandemic such as COVID-19 emerges. In Brazil, vaccine coverage rates have dropped significantly in recent times, facilitating the reemergence of diseases that were "forgotten" by the Brazilian population. In past years, Brazil was considered by the international community as a good example and model concerning mass immunization programs. These achievements need to be remembered and rescued as a public health strategy. Investing in vaccine R&D is fundamental to the prevention and control of infectious diseases. However, this action must be integrated into a broader strategy considering the prevention of emerging diseases by maintaining ecosystems' function and preserving human, animal and environmental health (One Health perspective). Otherwise, advances in vaccine R&D will be constantly overtaken by the emergence of new disease outbreaks. Discussion on how to accelerate vaccine development and licensure is still needed, and the One Health perspective can help us to face emerging health challenges. These and other critical points involving vaccine-related issues are addressed in this article, with a focus on the Brazilian context. Finally, some solutions to deal with these problems are suggested.