The Scientific Method in Vaccine History

National Library of Medicine

Edward Jenner

Learn how the scientific method has been used in the development of vaccines and the study of infectious diseases. More

Vaccines for Teenagers

Parents keep babies on track with immunizations by making frequent doctor visits. Teenagers also need vaccines, but they don’t visit the doctor as often as young children. Not surprisingly, many teenagers haven’t received the vaccines they need to be fully protected. More

History of Anti-vaccination Movements

Though many consider vaccination a top public health achievement of modern medicine, opposition to vaccination dates back to its introduction in the early 1800s. More

Influenza Pandemics

In contrast to seasonal outbreaks of influenza, pandemics occur when a new subtype or strain of the influenza virus develops, to which humans have little pre-existing immunity. The three pandemics that occurred during the 20th century spread rapidly and globally, and resulted in many deaths. More

Human Cell Strains in Vaccine Development

Human cells have been used to develop vaccines against many diseases, including rubella, chickenpox and rabies. More

Passive Immunization

Passive immunity results when a person is given someone else’s antibodies. When these antibodies are introduced into the person’s body, the “loaned” antibodies help prevent or fight certain infectious diseases. The protection offered by passive immunization is short-lived, usually lasting only a few weeks or months. But it helps protect right away. More

Early Tissue and Cell Culture in Vaccine Development

Tissue and cell culture have played an important role in vaccine development, and current research efforts expand on that technology. More

Misconceptions about Vaccines

Misconceptions about vaccines have persisted for decades because of a poor understanding of how vaccination works and an often skewed notion of the human immune response. More